Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to acquire CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, a move that could shift the military balance in the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters, talks intensified after the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025 and have now reportedly entered an advanced stage.
Sources say that negotiations began at least two years ago, but have gained new impetus in recent times. Top Iranian officials, including the Deputy Minister of Defense, reportedly traveled to China in the final phase of the discussions. Although the deal is said to be nearly complete, a delivery schedule has not yet been set.
The operational potential of the CM-302 could significantly enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities against maritime targets, particularly United States Navy vessels operating in the region. Currently, Washington maintains a reinforced military presence near Iran’s coast amid the possibility of further confrontation.
As an export version of the YJ-12 missile used by the Chinese Navy, the CM-302 is capable of exceeding Mach 3 with a range of about 300 kilometers. Equipped with a 250 kg warhead, a satellite navigation system and active radar in the terminal phase, this weapon is designed to fly low above the sea surface and hit ships at high speed, thereby reducing the reaction time of enemy defenses.
🚨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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Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @PLA_MilitaryUpd | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
