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Iran is expected to receive an initial shipment within weeks of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile launchers, according to three sources familiar with the deal. The move comes as Tehran seeks to rebuild its defences amid its conflict with the United States.
The $60–70 million purchase marks one of Iran’s largest known efforts to bolster short-range air defence capabilities since its war with the U.S. and Israel exposed weaknesses in protecting military facilities and key infrastructure.
The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, the sources said.
The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the sources said was acting as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.
Sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the deal, said Iran is seeking to rebuild its defences after months of conflict with the U.S. and Israel, which targeted sites linked to its missile, drone, and air-defence programmes.
The delivery of hundreds of Chinese-made MANPADS would significantly boost Iran’s short-range air defence capabilities and deepen military ties with Beijing. However, details such as shipment schedules and quantities could still change.
China denied reports of the deal, while Pakistan rejected claims it was involved in transferring the weapons.
Iran has invested heavily in missiles, drones, and radar, but experts say portable air-defence systems offer greater mobility and are harder to target than fixed batteries. Security sources said Tehran has explored acquiring Chinese QW-series MANPADS, including QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems, to defend against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
The deal highlights Iran’s reliance on both domestic production and foreign suppliers despite years of sanctions. Sources also said Tehran has considered overland routes to move Chinese military supplies more discreetly.
(With inputs from Reuters)
