Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to acquire the CM-302 supersonic sea-based missile, a move that could change the military balance in the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters, the talks intensified after the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, and are now in an advanced phase.
Sources state that the negotiations started at least two years ago, but have recently gained new momentum. Senior Iranian officials, including the deputy defense minister, are said to have traveled to China in the final phase of the discussions. Although the deal is reportedly close to being concluded, no delivery schedule has yet been set.
A possible introduction of the CM-302 could significantly strengthen Iran’s offensive capacity against maritime targets, especially vessels from the US Navy operating in the region. Washington is currently maintaining a reinforced military presence near the Iranian coast due to the risk of new confrontations.
The CM-302 is an export version of the YJ-12 missile used by the Chinese Navy. The missile can exceed Mach 3 and has a range of around 300 kilometers. It is equipped with a 250 kg warhead, satellite navigation and active radar in the final phase. The weapon is designed to fly low above the sea surface and hit vessels at high speed, which reduces the reaction time of the opponent.
🚨JUST IN:🇨🇳🇮🇷IRAN is nearing a deal with CHINA to purchase an unknown number of YJ-12E CARRIER KILLERS (CM-302) Supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles.
▫️ Range: 290 km
▫️ Flight Speed: Mach 4
▫️ Low Sea-skimming, hard to intercept
▫️ Can perform Evasive Manoeuvres to avoid SAMs pic.twitter.com/vjygEGio28— PLA Military Updates (@PLA_MilitaryUpd) February 24, 2026
+ Pyka is testing DropShip, an autonomous drone for logistics missions in high-threat areas
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @PLA_MilitaryUpd | This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors
