Iran close to deal for Chinese supersonic anti ship missiles
Iran is close to sealing a deal with China to buy CM 302 supersonic anti ship cruise missiles, according to six people familiar with the negotiations. The talks have gained urgency as the United States deploys a large naval force near Iran ahead of possible military strikes. The CM 302 missiles have a range of about 290 kilometres and are designed to fly low and fast to evade ship defences. Two weapons experts said their deployment would significantly boost Iran’s ability to target warships and would pose a new threat to U.S. naval forces in the region. Negotiations began at least two years ago but accelerated after the 12 day war between Israel and Iran in June. As discussions entered their final phase last summer, senior Iranian military and government officials, including deputy defence minister Massoud Oraei, travelled to China […]