The order appears in a 2024–2025 production schedule from Russian manufacturer Vympel, which the FT reviewed. It signals Moscow’s readiness to arm Tehran even as its own war effort strains Russian industry.
A Coded Customer
The schedule records an export order for 90 APU-L launchers for a buyer designated “K-10.” Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, uses that code for Iran.
The same code appears in other Russian contracts. They include paperwork on Yak-130 trainer jets Iran received in 2023 and 2024.
Weapon Proven in Ukraine
The APU-L is built for attack helicopters such as the Mi-28. It carries the LMUR light multipurpose guided missile, also known as Izdeliye 305.
The missile can hit moving targets at ranges of roughly 14 km, and an operator can steer it in flight. It entered Russian army service in 2022 and has been used extensively in Ukraine.
China Also on the Order Book
The documents show Vympel pressing for faster supply of APU-L and APU-305 components. It warned that delays could affect nine contracts.
Seven are with Russian customers. The two foreign buyers are China, with an order for 192 APU-305 launchers, and K-10, with 90 APU-L units.
Delivery Unconfirmed
The documents do not show whether the launchers ultimately reached Iran. Earlier FT reporting found Russia secretly helping Iran build supersonic cruise missiles. Moscow also plans deeper ties with Tehran.
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