Iran to Receive Hundreds of Chinese Air Defence Missiles as It Rebuilds Military, Sources Say

Iran is expected to receive within weeks the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese made shoulder-fired air defence missile launchers, according to three sources familiar with the deal, as Tehran seeks to rebuild its military capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel.

The contract, valued at an estimated $60 million to $70 million, covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including QW-12 and FN-16 missile launchers. The deal was reportedly signed through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong based intermediary acting on behalf of the Chinese supplier.

The shipments are expected to begin within weeks, although sources cautioned that delivery schedules and quantities could still change. Under the reported plan, the weapons will initially be transported from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan to Iran. Pakistan’s military denied reports that it was involved in transferring the systems, describing the claims as “absolutely concocted and false.”

The acquisition comes as Iran seeks to reinforce its air defences after months of strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting facilities linked to its missile, drone and air defence programmes. Military analysts say portable air defence systems are particularly valuable because they can be rapidly deployed, relocated and operated by small teams, making them more difficult to target than fixed air defence batteries.

China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed reports of the agreement as “completely groundless,” while Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment. Defence analysts say the QW-12 and FN-16 systems are designed to engage low flying aircraft, helicopters and drones, providing an additional layer of short range protection for military installations and critical infrastructure.

Western intelligence and regional security sources told Reuters that Iran has also explored overland supply routes for Chinese military equipment and dual use technology, reflecting Tehran’s continued efforts to strengthen its armed forces despite longstanding international sanctions.