- Seven senior Russian missile experts visited Iran in 2024.
- They traveled on official state passports, highlighting government ties.
- Visits involved Iranian missile production sites, including underground facilities.
- Cooperation strengthens following the January 2024 military pact.
- Russia’s defense role in Ukraine and Iran’s support deepen the alliance.
Seven senior Russian missile experts visited Iran in 2024, marking a significant step in the growing military relationship between the two nations. The visits, which took place in April and September, are linked to the deepening defense cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, as both nations face increasing pressure from the West.
The visits coincide with escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel. According to travel records and employment data reviewed by Reuters, the Russian specialists traveled to Iran aboard official state flights. These trips were part of Russia’s ongoing military support for Iran’s missile programs and defense systems.
The Visit Details
The specialists arrived in Tehran on two separate flights, one in April and another in September 2024. The booking records revealed that six out of seven of the men carried passports with the “20” prefix, indicating they were traveling on official government business. These passports are typically issued to Russian officials, military personnel, and those involved in state work abroad.
The specific purpose of the visit remains unclear. However, a senior Iranian defense official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that Russian missile experts visited Iranian missile production sites. Some of these sites reportedly included underground facilities, further emphasizing the strategic importance of these collaborations.
A Western defense official, also speaking anonymously, mentioned that the Russians had visited a missile base located around 15 km west of Amirabad on Iran’s Caspian Sea coast. The Russian specialists were believed to have been involved in assessing or assisting with Iran’s missile capabilities, though no direct information was available on the exact nature of their activities.
Who Were the Russian Experts?
The seven specialists identified in the documents are senior figures with extensive backgrounds in Russia’s military missile systems. Two hold the rank of colonel, and two are lieutenant-colonels. Their roles are centered around missile defense systems, artillery, and rocket technology. These profiles were matched with data from Russian military employment records. The specialists’ expertise spans air-defense missiles, artillery systems, advanced weapon development, and missile testing.
Denis Kalko, 48, and Vadim Malov, 46, were among those booked for the April 2024 flight. Kalko worked at the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Academy for Military Anti-Aircraft Defense, while Malov is linked to training missile forces. The other three members of the April group included Andrei Gusev, Alexander Antonov, and Marat Khusainov. Their roles included overseeing artillery and rocket development, and missile-testing operations.
The September flight included Sergei Yurchenko, 46, and Oleg Fedosov, also 46, who are linked to Russia’s missile and artillery departments. Fedosov has worked on advanced weapons development, highlighting the growing collaboration between Russian and Iranian military scientists.
Russia and Iran Strengthen Military Ties
Russia and Iran’s recent visits clearly highlight a growing military partnership. After both countries signed a 20-year military pact in January 2024, their collaboration grew even stronger. This agreement has significantly impacted global defense strategies, especially as both nations face rising threats from the West. In particular, Russia’s operations in Ukraine benefit from Iranian Shahed drones, while Russia assists with Iran’s missile program.
Moreover, Iran’s missile program has become a central focus of Middle Eastern security. With Russian experts now involved, it’s evident that both countries are working to fortify their positions. They’re collaborating closely to counter shared adversaries, such as the United States and Israel. This growing partnership reflects their strategic efforts to strengthen each other.
Ultimately, this deeper military alliance serves as a direct challenge to Western influence. As a result, Russia and Iran increasingly turn to each other for technological and military support. Together, they navigate their rising global pressures and aim to push back against adversities on the world stage.
Russian Experts’ Secretive Iran Visits Raise Questions
When Reuters reached out, the Russian missile experts denied traveling to Iran or engaging in military work. Five of the men insisted they had never been to Iran. One refused to comment, while another abruptly hung up. Naturally, this secrecy isn’t surprising, given the sensitive nature of their work. Moreover, both Russian and Iranian governments refused to comment, which only adds to the mystery.
The lack of official acknowledgment from both sides only deepens the intrigue. As military cooperation between Russia and Iran continues to grow, these visits will likely remain hidden. With little transparency available, public and international observers are left in the dark. Ultimately, these visits highlight how Moscow and Tehran are aligning their defense strategies in response to increasing external pressures.