Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran is close to finalising a deal to purchase Chinese-made CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to sources cited by Reuters. While the agreement is reportedly near completion, the delivery timeline has not yet been agreed.
The CM-302 missile has an estimated range of about 290 kilometres and is designed to fly at low altitude at high speed to evade ship-based air defence systems. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has described the CM-302 as one of the world’s most advanced anti-ship missiles, capable of striking aircraft carriers and destroyers.
The missile system can be deployed from naval vessels, aircraft, or mobile ground launchers, and it can also be used against land targets. Defence analysts say acquiring the system would significantly enhance Iran’s military capabilities and could pose a potential threat to US naval forces operating in the region.
Reuters cited three Iranian government officials and three security sources as saying negotiations with China began at least two years ago but accelerated after the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict last year. Israeli security analyst Danny Citrinowicz said the acquisition of supersonic anti-ship capabilities would be a “game changer” for Iran and difficult to intercept.
An Iranian foreign ministry official said Tehran has military and security agreements with its allies and intends to leverage them at an appropriate time. China’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of the negotiations, while China’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
According to Peter Wezeman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the CM-302 purchase would significantly replenish Iran’s weapons stockpiles affected by last year’s conflict.
