Moscow, Russia / Tehran, Iran – Russia has agreed to supply Iran with 90 APU-L launchers for precision-guided missiles used by Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a Financial Times report published on November 5, 2026. The deal points to expanding military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, although it remains unclear whether the launchers have been delivered.
The export order was identified in Russian defence industry production documents covering 2024–2025. The buyer is listed under the code “K-10,” a designation used by Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, for Iran. The documents were obtained by Ukrainian private intelligence organisation Dallas Analytics and reviewed by the Financial Times.
APU-L Launchers and LMUR Missile Capabilities
The APU-L launchers are designed primarily for Russia’s Mi-28 attack helicopters and can carry two LMUR (Light Multipurpose Guided Missile) weapons, also known as Izdeliye 305 or Product 305.
The LMUR entered Russian military service in 2022 and has been widely used in the war against Ukraine. It can engage moving targets at a reported range of approximately 14 kilometres. Its operator can also adjust the missile's flight path after launch, allowing corrections during its approach to the target.
Iran has already acquired Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters. Iranian officials announced in November 2023 that arrangements for their delivery had been finalised. Images published online in January 2026 also showed an Mi-28 at an aviation facility in Tehran.
Russian Documents Reveal Additional Export Orders
A May 2024 letter from Russian defence manufacturer Vympel urged the Engineering Design Bureau (KBM) to accelerate component deliveries for APU-L and APU-305 launchers. The manufacturer warned that delays could affect nine contracts.
The accompanying production schedule identified seven Russian customers and two foreign buyers. Besides Iran's order for 90 APU-L launchers, it listed an export order for 192 APU-305 launchers for China.
The documents provide evidence of the Iranian export order but do not confirm whether all 90 launchers were manufactured or transferred to Tehran.
Growing Russia-Iran Defence Cooperation
The launcher agreement adds to the expanding defence relationship between Russia and Iran, which includes cooperation in military equipment and missile technology.
In September 2026, reports also revealed a Russian-assisted programme, codenamed C430L, focused on developing Iranian supersonic cruise missile technology. The project involved work on a ramjet propulsion system designed to sustain flight at several times the speed of sound.
Together, these developments highlight the growing military and technological cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
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