Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers, according to three sources familiar with the deal.

The purchase, valued at $60 million to $70 million, is one of Tehran’s largest known efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defence network since the outbreak of its war with the United States and Israel.

The war exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure.

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Deal details emerge

Reuters reported Wednesday of a contract covering 300 to 400 man-portable air defence systems, or MANPADS, including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.

The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the sources described as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.

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The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. There was no immediate response from Iran’s foreign ministry.

Denials and defences

China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the report, saying, “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”

The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems intended to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones, and analysts view them as a mobile layer of protection for sensitive sites.

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Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of the Hong Kong firm named in the deal, did not respond to a request for comment either.

Pakistan’s military public relations wing, the ISPR, denied any role in the transfer and said, “Speculations of Pakistan being involved in the supply of air defence weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false.”

The route less advertised

The agreement could still be altered before delivery, including the timing, quantity and other implementation details. Under the plan described, the first shipments would be sent by air from Urumqi in western China and then transit through Pakistan to Iran. The sources did not clarify whether the transfer would continue by air or road.

They also said Tehran has been exploring overland routes to move Chinese military supplies and dual-use components more discreetly and reduce the risk of disruption.

A wider strategic game

The reported deal comes against a backdrop of heightened military pressure on Iran and a broader effort to rebuild air-defence capacity after repeated strikes on facilities linked to its missile, drone and air-defence programmes.

The procurement underscores the Islamic Republic’s continued reliance on a mix of domestic weapons production and foreign suppliers despite years of sanctions and restrictions on defence-related imports.

Military ties between China and Iran appear to be deepening, even as the delivery of such systems could complicate wider efforts to ease tensions in the region.

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FAQs

Q1: Why is Iran reportedly buying Chinese missile systems?

According to Reuters, Iran is seeking to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities after recent military strikes exposed vulnerabilities in its defence network.

Q2: What missile systems is Iran expected to receive from China?

Reuters reported that the proposed shipment includes Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired MANPADS designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones.