What are 9M336 missiles? Why is Iran-Russia 'secret' arms deal worth $589 million important?

Iran and Russia have reportedly made a secret shoulder-fired missile deal worth ​500 million euro ($589 million). Iran's ​arms deal with Russia is to acquire thousands ​of advanced shoulder-fired missiles, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

The agreement, signed in Moscow in December, commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable "Verba" launch units and ‌2,500 "9M336" missiles ⁠over ⁠three years, the FT said, citing leaked Russian documents seen by the ​FT and several people familiar with the deal. Under the deal the deliveries are scheduled in three tranches, running from 2027 through 2029, Reuters reported quoting FT.

9M336 Missiles

"9M336" missiles belong to surface-to-air missile (SAM) category. This type of missile can be used by ground, sea and air based platforms.

The deal ​was negotiated between Russian state arms ⁠exporter Rosoboronexport and ‌the Moscow representative of Iran's Ministry of Defense ​and Armed ​Forces Logistics (MODAFL), the FT said.

Tehran formally requested ⁠the systems last July, according to a contract seen ​by the FT. In June last year, ​U.S. forces struck Iran's three main nuclear sites as the country joined Israel's military campaign against Iran.

President Donald Trump said Iran's key nuclear facilities were destroyed in the attack. However, according to a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment at the time, ‌the U.S. airstrikes did not destroy Iran's nuclear capability and only set it back by a few ​months.

Iranian officials ​have repeatedly said ⁠Tehran had recovered from the damage incurred during the war and that its capabilities are better than ever.

Russia has a strategic partnership ​treaty with Iran, although it does not include a mutual defence clause. Earlier in February, a Russian naval corvette conducted manoeuvres with the Iranian navy in the Gulf of Oman this week, according to Russia's Defence Ministry.