Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers within the coming weeks as Tehran works to rebuild its military capabilities during its ongoing war with the United States, according to three sources familiar with the agreement.
The purchase, reportedly valued at between $60 million and $70 million, represents one of Iran’s largest publicly known efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defense network since the conflict with the United States and Israel began.
According to the sources, the agreement includes between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems, commonly known as MANPADS. The shipment is expected to include Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missile systems designed to provide short-range protection against aerial threats.
The sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that they described as serving as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier.
The reported purchase comes as Iran seeks to replenish and strengthen its military defenses following months of fighting that have highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s air-defense network.
According to the report, military facilities and strategic infrastructure linked to Iran’s missile, drone and air-defense programs have been struck during the conflict by the United States and Israel. In response, Tehran has launched barrages of ballistic missiles and drones.
The reported acquisition is viewed as part of Iran’s broader effort to reinforce its ability to defend against future aerial attacks after the conflict exposed gaps in its short-range defensive capabilities.
Neither the Iranian government nor the Chinese supplier publicly confirmed the reported agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment regarding the reported purchase.
China also denied the report.
“The relevant reports are completely groundless,” a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said in response to Reuters’ inquiry.
The ministry added that China “has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”
Meanwhile, Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Tuesday.
The reported contract underscores Iran’s efforts to rebuild portions of its military infrastructure following months of conflict.
According to the sources cited by Reuters, the shipment would include hundreds of shoulder-fired missile launchers intended to strengthen Iran’s short-range air-defense capabilities. The deal, valued at an estimated $60 million to $70 million, would rank among the country’s most significant known investments in that area since the outbreak of the war.
While the reported agreement has drawn attention because of its size and timing, Chinese officials have rejected the claims, calling the reports unfounded. Iranian officials, meanwhile, had not publicly commented on the matter at the time of the report.
The reported acquisition comes as Iran continues efforts to rebuild military capabilities following months of exchanges with the United States and Israel.
