Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to acquire the supersonic CM-302 anti-ship missile, a move that could change the military balance in the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters, talks intensified following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025 and are reportedly at an advanced stage.
According to sources, negotiations began at least two years ago but have recently received new impetus. Senior Iranian officials, including the deputy defense minister, are said to have traveled to China in the final stages of the talks. Although the agreement is expected to be almost complete, a delivery schedule has not yet been determined.
The possible introduction of the CM-302 could significantly strengthen Iran’s offensive capabilities against maritime targets, particularly against U.S. Navy ships operating in the region. Washington currently maintains an increased military presence near Iran’s coast amid the possibility of further confrontations.
The CM-302 is the export version of the YJ-12 missile used by the Chinese Navy. It can reach speeds of over Mach 3 and has a range of around 300 kilometers. Equipped with a 250 kg warhead, satellite navigation and active radar seeker in the final phase, the weapon is designed to fly at low altitude over the sea surface and attack ships at high speed, thereby reducing the reaction time of enemy defense systems.
🚨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
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Those: Militarnyi | Photo: X @PLA_MilitaryUpd | This content was created with the support of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
