Reuters, citing three sources, reported that Iran is preparing to receive the first batch of 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile systems within the next few weeks. This comes under a $60-70 million agreement aimed at rapidly restoring close-range air defense capabilities after its main defense systems were severely damaged in the war with the U.S.
Reuters reported, quoting three sources involved in the deal, that Iran is set to receive the first batch of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile systems (MANPADS) within weeks. This is part of a weapons procurement contract valued at $60-70 million, approximately 2.1 to 2.45 billion baht.
Sources said the contract covers the purchase of 300-400 MANPADS units, including the QW-12 and FN-16 missile models, which are infrared-guided shoulder-fired weapons used to attack aircraft, helicopters, and drones flying at low altitudes.
This procurement represents one of Iran’s largest efforts to strengthen short-range air defense since its wars with the U.S. and Israel, which inflicted damage on its missile, drone, and air defense programs and revealed vulnerabilities in protecting its bases and strategic infrastructure.
According to sources, the purchase contract was signed through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company acting as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese arms manufacturer.
However, China’s Foreign Ministry denied the reports, stating that "the information released is completely unfounded," and reaffirmed China’s role in promoting peace and conflict resolution. Meanwhile, the intermediary company has not responded to media inquiries.
The Pakistan military also issued a statement denying reports that Pakistan would be involved in transporting weapons from China to Iran, asserting that the news was "speculation and untrue."
Although sources indicated both parties have signed the agreement, the delivery schedule, number of weapons, and operational details could still change.
Preliminary plans indicate that the weapons will be transported starting from Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, then through Pakistan into Iran, though it remains unclear whether transport will be by air or land.
Security experts say MANPADS are crucial for national defense because they are highly mobile, require few personnel, and can quickly deploy to protect key areas faster than fixed air defense systems, making them suitable for defending bases, power plants, and energy infrastructure from drone or low-flying aircraft attacks.
Although analysts consider the QW-12 less capable than newer models like the QW-18 and QW-19, it still provides adequate layered short-range air defense. European and Middle Eastern security sources revealed Iran is also negotiating to purchase additional QW-18 and QW-19 systems from China.
The report also stated that Iran has sought land routes to transport weapons and military parts from China to avoid interception and reduce transport risks.
Previously, Reuters reported that Iran was negotiating with China to purchase anti-ship missiles, but it remains unconfirmed whether an agreement has been reached.
This latest arms purchase demonstrates that despite long-standing international sanctions and import restrictions, the Tehran government continues to develop its military capabilities both through domestic production and reliance on foreign suppliers, especially strengthening defense cooperation with China in recent years.
/sourceReuters