Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within the coming weeks under a deal valued at between US$60 million and US$70 million, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the agreement.
The report states that Iran has agreed to purchase between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, as part of efforts to rebuild its air defence capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel.
According to Reuters, the deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company said to be acting as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier.
The report notes that Iran is seeking to strengthen its short-range air defences after military facilities and strategic infrastructure were targeted during the conflict, exposing weaknesses in the country’s defensive capabilities.
However, China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the report, describing it as “completely groundless” and reiterating that Beijing has consistently sought to promote peace and end the conflict.
Pakistan’s military also denied reports that it would facilitate the transfer of the weapons through its territory, calling such claims “absolutely concocted and false.”
According to Reuters, deliveries are initially expected to depart from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan to Iran, although the sources cautioned that delivery schedules, quantities and implementation details could still change.
Military analysts cited in the report said shoulder-fired air defence systems are valued for their mobility and ability to protect military installations and critical infrastructure against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones.
Reuters also reported that Iran has explored overland routes to transport Chinese military equipment and dual-use components more discreetly while continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces despite longstanding international sanctions.
