Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to acquire the CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile, a move that could alter 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 at an advanced stage.
Sources indicate that negotiations began at least two years ago, but have received new impetus recently. Senior Iranian officials, including the vice minister of defense, reportedly traveled to China during the final stage of discussions. Although the agreement is practically concluded, a delivery timetable has not yet been defined.
The eventual integration of the CM-302 could significantly strengthen Iran’s offensive capability against naval targets, particularly against US Navy ships operating in the region. Washington currently maintains a strengthened military presence near the Iranian coast in light of the possibility of further confrontations.
An export version of the YJ-12 missile used by the Chinese Navy, the CM-302 can exceed Mach 3 and has a range of about 300 kilometers. Equipped with a 250 kg warhead, satellite navigation system and active radar in the terminal phase, the weapon is designed to fly at low altitude above the sea surface and hit boats at high speed, reducing the reaction time of adversary 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 was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
