Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)

Stories

Iran turns to Russia to rebuild shattered air defenses after June 2025 war

Iranian counterparty to the Verba MANPADS deal

Iran is rebuilding its air defenses with Russian help while fighting a new war with the United States and Israel. The June 2025 war destroyed about a third of Iran's air-defense network, and leaked documents show Tehran agreed to buy 500 Verba shoulder-fired launchers and 2,500 missiles for about €500 million. Separate deals cover S-400 batteries and up to 48 Su-35 fighter jets, and in November 2026 Russia reportedly agreed to add 90 helicopter missile launchers.

Updated 5 days ago

Iran names missile-program veteran as defense minister during war with US and Israel

Force in Play

Under new leadership as of October 18, 2026

Iran's parliament voted Sunday to put Mehrdad Akhlaghi, a UN-sanctioned ballistic missile specialist, in charge of the country's defense industry. He takes over eight months after war with the United States and Israel killed his predecessor and the supreme leader on the conflict's first day.

Updated Oct 18