Iran’s Fath-360 Ballistic Missile’s Greatness Leaves Ukraine and Allies in Disarray

JAKARTA – The United States was really angry when they found out Iran sending hundreds of missiles to Russia. These missiles were reportedly exchanged for SU-35 fighter jet .

America’s concerns along with other NATO countries are well-founded. The missiles supplied by Iran to Russia are a real threat to Ukraine. With the capability of these weapons, Russia has the freedom to destroy vital targets of its enemies.

Kyiv Independent reported on Thursday (12/9/2024) that four different types of missiles could have been supplied by Iran to Russia. Namely two types of short-range missiles, Ababil and Fath-360, and two types of short-range missiles, Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar. It has been confirmed that Iran has sent Fath-360 to Russia.

The Greatness of Iran’s Fath-360 Ballistic Missile

The Fath-360 is a short-range ballistic missile with a 150-kilogram warhead. Like all ballistic missiles, they are powered by a rocket and launched high into the atmosphere before arcing back to their target.

This missile is only guided during the initial stage of launch, so it can be less accurate than a cruise missile, but it has the advantage of reaching very high speeds, sometimes more than 3,200 kilometers per hour as it approaches its target. There is no doubt about its explosive power.

How will Russia use it?

The Fath-360’s 120-kilometer range reveals Russia’s possible plans for these weapons. Since they are tactical systems, Moscow will likely use them to attack critical assets in Ukraine.

“For example, if they have identified a logistics base, or a depot, an air asset, or an air defense system within 120 kilometers of the front line, and want to attack immediately, then this type of system is very useful,” said Fabian Hinz, a defense researcher and military analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“They have a very short reaction time, very fast, much faster than UAVs.”

According to Hinz, acquiring the Fath-360 means Russia is now free to keep its more expensive and longer-range missiles, such as the Iskander, for long-range strikes on Ukraine.

But it is not only Ukrainian military targets that are within range of the Fath-360 missiles, cities such as Kharkiv and Sumy, both just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, are also in its crosshairs.

What can Ukraine do about it?

More ballistic missiles in the hands of Russian forces present a major problem for Ukraine. Because of their high speed, only the most advanced air defense systems are capable of shooting them down, the US-made Patriot system being one of them.