Iran is preparing to receive 300 to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), including QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, three sources familiar with the deal told Reuters. First deliveries could arrive within weeks.
The reported purchase comes as Tehran rebuilds an air-defense network degraded by months of U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iranian defenses have relied on larger radar-guided systems alongside mobile short-range weapons, but MANPADS would add a more dispersed layer against low-flying aircraft and drones. Their portability and infrared guidance allow small teams to operate without the fixed infrastructure and radar emissions associated with larger surface-to-air missile batteries.
The contract, valued at $60–70 million, was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-registered intermediary, according to Reuters. The planned initial shipments would reportedly travel overland from Urumqi in western China through Pakistan to Iran.
China’s Foreign Ministry called the report “completely groundless” and said Beijing had consistently worked to promote peace and end the conflict. Pakistani military sources also denied Pakistan was involved in the transfer.
The reported procurement does not establish direct Chinese government involvement. But if completed, it would give Iran hundreds of mobile short-range air-defense systems as Tehran tries to repair vulnerabilities exposed during the war.
Reuters also reported Iranian interest in more advanced QW-18 and QW-19 systems and Chinese anti-ship missiles, pointing to possible further foreign procurement as Iran rebuilds military capabilities damaged or depleted during the conflict.
