Sources tell Reuters that Iran is expected to receive within weeks an initial shipment from a contract for up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems, a deal reported to be worth about $60–70 million. The purchase — reportedly arranged via a Hong Kong intermediary — would include 300–400 MANPADS such as QW-12 and FN-16. China and Pakistan have publicly denied the transfer claims, and sources cautioned that delivery schedules and quantities could still change.
Exclusive: Iran Poised to Receive First Shipment of Up to 400 Chinese MANPADS, Sources Say
FILE PHOTO: The national flags of China and Iran fly in Tiananmen Square, China, February 14, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
Sources with direct knowledge of the transaction told Reuters that Iran is expected to receive within weeks an initial shipment from a contract for up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems, as Tehran moves to reinforce its short-range air-defence capabilities amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
Deal Overview
Value and equipment: The purchase is reported to be worth roughly $60–70 million and covers between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), including Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired, infrared-guided missiles.
Intermediary and supplier: Sources said the agreement was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based firm described as an intermediary between Iranian officials and the Chinese supplier.
Logistics, Routes and Denials
According to the sources, initial deliveries would be flown from Urumqi in western China and then transit through Pakistan en route to Iran; the sources did not specify whether overland transfers across Pakistan would be by air or road. Pakistani military public relations (ISPR) called suggestions of Pakistani involvement "absolutely concocted and false." China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the reports as "completely groundless."
Context And Strategic Implications
Iran has been seeking to rearm after months of strikes by the U.S. and Israel on facilities linked to its missile, drone and air-defence programmes. Tehran has retaliated with ballistic missile and drone barrages. Experts say MANPADS are valuable because they are mobile, can be operated by small teams, and can be dispersed rapidly to protect military sites, energy infrastructure and other sensitive targets.
Defence analysts note the QW-12 and FN-16 provide an effective layer of short-range protection against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones, though some newer QW variants (such as QW-18 and QW-19) are regarded as more capable.
Caveats And Wider Arms Relations
The sources cautioned that delivery schedules, exact quantities and implementation details could still change despite the agreement being signed. Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official also said Tehran has explored overland routes to move Chinese military supplies and dual-use components more discreetly.
The reported purchase would significantly expand Iran’s inventory of short-range air-defence systems and could signal deeper military ties between Tehran and Beijing. Reuters previously reported that Iran was close to a separate agreement with China for anti-ship cruise missiles, but the agency could not confirm whether that deal was finalized.
Reporting
Three sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Additional reporting for this story was provided by Liz Lee in Beijing, Clare Jim in Hong Kong and Rick Noack in Islamabad. Writing by Parisa Hafezi; editing by Kevin Liffey.
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