Iran is set to acquire as many as 400 missile systems for air defense from China, according to sources

Iran is poised to receive as many as 400 Chinese-made missile systems for air defense in the coming weeks, according to sources from Reuters.

Iran is anticipated to receive, within weeks, its initial shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missiles for air defense as it works to restore its military capabilities following months of conflict with the US and Israel, according to three sources familiar with the agreement.

The sources informed Reuters that the acquisition, estimated to be between $60 million and $70 million, represents one of Tehran’s most significant attempts to enhance its short-range air defenses since the conflict revealed vulnerabilities in safeguarding military installations and critical infrastructure.

The contract encompasses a range of 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), which include the Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, according to the sources.

The agreement was finalized with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a company based in Hong Kong that, according to sources, served as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier.

The sources requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the issue. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has yet to provide a response to a request for comment.

China’s Foreign Ministry refuted the report, stating: “The relevant reports are entirely unfounded.” China has consistently contributed to the promotion of peace and the resolution of conflicts.

Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, has not yet provided a response to an emailed request for comment.

Iran has been working to restore its military capabilities following months of conflict during which the US and Israel focused on facilities associated with its missile, drone, and air defense programs. In response, Tehran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks.

The conflict underscored the challenges of protecting static military installations and critical infrastructure from sophisticated aircraft and precision-guided munitions.

President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the US bombing campaign on Saturday, stating that strikes would recommence if negotiations do not succeed in resolving the five-month conflict, which has been under a ceasefire since April.

The planned delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would greatly enhance Iran’s short-range air defense capabilities and indicate a strengthening of military relations between Tehran and Beijing.

The sources cautioned that changes to delivery schedules, quantities, and other implementation details might still occur.

According to the agreement, the initial deliveries are anticipated to be transported from Urumqi in western China, passing through Pakistan en route to Iran. However, the sources did not clarify whether the final segment of the journey would occur by air or road.

Pakistan’s military public relations wing, ISPR, dismissed claims of involvement, stating, “Speculations of Pakistan being involved in the supply of air defense weapons to Iran from China are entirely fabricated and untrue.”

A representative from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry did not provide a response to requests for comment.

Military experts indicate that portable air defence systems can be rapidly deployed by small teams and relocated frequently, rendering them more challenging to target compared to stationary air defence batteries.

A European security source indicated that authorities were aware of multiple contracts being discussed regarding potential sales of QW-series MANPADS to Iran, which include the QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems.

A second Middle East security source indicated that Iran had been pursuing the acquisition of QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was not aware that a deal had already been finalized.

The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems intended for targeting low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Defense analysts indicate that the QW-12 is not as advanced as the newer QW variants; however, it remains capable of delivering effective short-range protection against drones and other low-flying targets.

Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official indicated that Tehran had considered overland routes to transport Chinese military supplies and dual-use components more discreetly, aiming to minimize the risk of disruption.

The procurement highlights Iran’s ongoing dependence on both local weapons manufacturing and international suppliers, even after years of sanctions and limitations on defense-related imports.

Reuters previously reported that Iran was nearing a separate agreement with China to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles, although it could not confirm whether that deal was finalized.