The secret project of Russia and Iran to hunt US aircraft carriers

Key Points:

• Russia has secretly assisted Iran in developing hypersonic cruise missiles through a covert program called C430L, which began in 2023 and involved transferring advanced missile technology and expertise despite U.S. and Israeli opposition.
• The program focuses on a ramjet propulsion system enabling missiles to fly at hypersonic speeds, potentially allowing Iran to threaten U.S. aircraft carriers and other naval assets in the Middle East with highly maneuverable and fast weapons.
• Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and defense company NPO Mash organized the cooperation, with Russian experts traveling to Iran for technical consultations and ongoing collaboration reportedly continuing into 2026.
• The revelation comes amid heightened U.S. efforts to pressure Russia to halt military support to Iran, including a rare visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow to warn against aiding Iran and NATO aggression.
• Russia and Iran have not responded to the report, but recent high-level meetings between the two countries emphasize continued trade and political support despite international sanctions and tensions.