A delegation of representatives from the Iranian government and armed forces is said to have visited China last summer in connection with the proposed purchase. However, Reuters’ sources did not indicate the potential value of the transaction or the quantity of munitions under consideration.
The acquisition of the CM-302 could significantly strengthen Iran’s coastal defence capabilities, particularly amid ongoing tensions with the United States. The system is the export version of the Chinese YJ-12 missile and is produced by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
So far, the CM-302 has been acquired by Algeria and Pakistan. The missile has a range of approximately 290 kilometres, carries a 250-kilogram warhead and reaches speeds of Mach 2 to 3, with some sources indicating it may reach up to Mach 4.
During the mid-course phase of flight, the missile is guided by a satellite navigation system. In the terminal phase, it homes in on its target using an active radar seeker and can be launched from ground-based launchers, naval vessels and aircraft.
