Iran is reportedly set to receive its first shipment of 300 to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) within weeks as it seeks to strengthen its short-range air defences after recent conflict with the United States and Israel.
According to sources familiar with the alleged agreement, the contract, valued at US$60–70 million, covers deliveries of QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired missiles. The systems are intended to improve protection of military installations and critical infrastructure against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and some cruise missiles.
The report says the agreement was arranged through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary, with shipments expected to depart from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan en route to Iran.
However, China’s Foreign Ministry denied the claims, calling them “completely groundless” and reiterating that Beijing supports efforts to promote peace. Pakistan’s military also rejected allegations that its territory would be used for transporting the weapons, describing the reports as “absolutely concocted and false.” Iran has not publicly commented.
The reported systems use modern infrared guidance technology and have an effective engagement range of roughly 6 kilometres, making them suitable for defending against low-altitude aerial threats but not high-altitude aircraft or ballistic missiles.
If confirmed, the acquisition would represent one of Iran’s largest known efforts in recent years to bolster its point air defences. The report remains unconfirmed, as its central claims rely on anonymous sources and have been officially denied by China and Pakistan.
