Iran expects to receive the first batch of up to 400 Chinese man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) within the coming weeks, according to three sources familiar with the deal who spoke to Reuters. This acquisition comes as Iran ramps up its rearmament efforts following the conflict with the United States and Israel. The purchase, valued at 60–70 million dollars, represents one of the largest known attempts by Tehran to enhance its short-range air defense capabilities since the onset of the war, which revealed significant gaps in Iran’s ability to safeguard military sites and critical infrastructure.
The contract entails the acquisition of between 300 and 400 MANPADS, including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, the sources said. The deal was signed with the Hong Kong-based company Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier, according to the sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated: “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China consistently plays a role in promoting peace and ending conflict.” The parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, also did not respond to an email request for comment.
Iran needs to rearm after months of combat during which the United States and Israel targeted sites associated with its missile, drone, and air defense programs. Tehran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones. The conflict underscored the challenges of defending stationary military and strategic sites against modern aviation and precision weapons. Washington abruptly suspended a two-week bombardment on Saturday, but President Donald Trump indicated that strikes would resume if negotiations fail to resolve the five-month conflict, which has been in a theoretical ceasefire since April.
Deepening military ties and logistics
The delivery of hundreds of MANPADS will significantly enhance Iran’s short-range air defense capabilities and underscore the strengthening military ties with China. The sources cautioned that while the deal has been signed, delivery schedules, quantities, and other implementation details may still change.
According to the plan agreed upon by the parties, initial deliveries will be made by air from Urumqi in western China, then transit through Pakistan to Iran, the sources said, without specifying whether the transportation would be by air or road. The public relations department of Pakistan’s armed forces, ISPR, stated: “Assumptions about Pakistan’s involvement in the supply of air defense weapons to Iran from China are completely fabricated and untrue.” A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan did not respond to requests for comment.
Importance of portable systems and other routes
Although Iran has actively invested in missiles, drones, and radars over the past two decades, military experts emphasize that portable air defense systems are crucial because they can be quickly deployed, operated by small teams, and frequently relocated, making them less vulnerable than stationary air defense batteries.
A European security source reported that authorities in their country are aware of several contracts under discussion for the potential sale of QW series MANPADS to Iran, including QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems. A second security source in the Middle East stated that Iran sought to acquire QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was unaware that a deal had already been finalized.
The QW-12 and FN-16 are portable infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Their mobility allows for rapid deployment around military sites, energy infrastructure, and other sensitive locations. Defense analysts consider the QW-12 less effective than newer variants of the QW, including the QW-18 and QW-19, but note that these systems can still provide a significant level of short-range protection against drones and low-flying targets.
Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official reported that Tehran has also explored using overland routes for more covert transportation of Chinese military supplies and dual-use components, as well as to mitigate the risk of disruptions. This purchase highlights the Islamic Republic’s ongoing reliance on a combination of domestic arms production and foreign suppliers, despite years of sanctions and restrictions on defense imports.
Earlier, Reuters reported that Iran was nearing the conclusion of a separate deal with China to purchase anti-ship cruise missiles, according to individuals familiar with those negotiations. Reuters was unable to determine whether this deal had been executed.
