- Iran has reportedly made a $60 million to $70 million purchase of Chinese shoulder-fired missile launchers intended for air defense.
- Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired launchers, according to three sources familiar with the deal.
- The purchase, valued at $60-$70 million, is one of Tehran's largest-known efforts to strengthen its short-range defenses since the outbreak of its war with the U.S. and Israel.
- The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
- The delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would significantly expand Iran's inventory of short-range air defense weapons and underscore how military ties with China are deepening.
- An estimated 300 to 400 units are reportedly on their way to Iran.
- Arranged through a Hong Kong intermediary, Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, the initial shipments are slated to fly from Urumqi in western China and transit through Pakistan.
- China's foreign ministry denied the report, calling it completely groundless.
- Defense analysts regard the QW-12 as less capable than newer QW variants, but say the systems can still provide an effective layer of short-range protection against drones and low-flying targets.
Iran is set to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile systems within weeks, valued between $60 million and $70 million. This deal, which includes man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) like the QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, aims to bolster Iran's air defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts with the U.S. and Israel.249
The purchase is one of Tehran's largest efforts to enhance its short-range defense since the outbreak of hostilities, which have exposed vulnerabilities in protecting strategic sites. The Pentagon has expressed concerns, stating that China and Russia are enabling Iran in these military endeavors.
Despite the Chinese foreign ministry's denial of the deal, sources indicate that the initial shipments are arranged through a Hong Kong intermediary and will transit through Pakistan. This development underscores the deepening military ties between Iran and China, as the delivery of these systems would significantly expand Iran's inventory of short-range air defense weapons.
Defense analysts note that while the QW-12 is considered less capable than newer variants, it still provides an effective layer of protection against drones and low-flying targets. The contract covers between 300 and 400 units, reflecting Iran's urgent need to strengthen its defenses in a volatile region.
“Iran's purchase includes 300 to 400 man-portable air defense systems, specifically QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, aimed at strengthening its defenses amid ongoing conflict. The Pentagon has expressed concerns, stating that China and Russia are enabling Iran, highlighting the geopolitical implications of this arms deal.”
KATU
Defense News
