Iran is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with China to purchase CM 302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, according to sources cited by Reuters. While negotiations are said to be nearly complete, the delivery timeline for the missiles has not yet been agreed upon.

The CM 302 is a high speed missile system with an estimated range of around 290 kilometers. Designed to fly at low altitude and supersonic speed the missile is intended to evade naval defense systems and strike large maritime targets.The system can be deployed from ships aircraft or ground-based mobile launchers, and it is also capable of engaging land targets.

China’s state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has promoted the CM 302 as one of the world’s most advanced anti ship missiles, claiming it can threaten heavily defended vessels, including aircraft carriers and destroyers.

Security analysts suggest that acquiring such missiles could significantly enhance Iran’s naval deterrence capabilities and potentially alter the regional security balance. Danny Citrinowicz a former Israeli intelligence officer, noted that supersonic anti-ship capabilities are difficult to counter.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) researcher Pieter Wezeman the purchase could help replenish Iran’s military stockpiles following recent conflicts. China’s Foreign Ministry has stated it is unaware of any such negotiations.