(MANPADS), developed by the research and production company KBM JSC. Designed to counter a wide spectrum of low-altitude aerial threats, Verba entered service with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2014. Its introduction marked a significant technological evolution in short-range air defense, particularly in the domain of infrared-guided shoulder-fired missiles.
A few years prior to its official induction, a full-scale model of the Verba missile system was demonstrated at the International Military-Technical Conference Army-2015 in the Moscow region. That public unveiling signaled Russia’s intention to modernize its tactical air defense umbrella amid growing global emphasis on unmanned systems, cruise missile threats, and precision-guided munitions.
In recent years, media reports have indicated a major defense agreement between Iran and Russia aimed at strengthening Tehran’s air defense network. According to these reports, a €500 million deal includes the delivery of 500 Verba portable launchers to Iran over a three-year period. While details of implementation remain subject to official confirmation, the reported agreement underscores the strategic importance of short-range mobile air defense systems in modern conflict environments.
