Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within weeks as it seeks to rebuild its military capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel, according to an exclusive Reuters report.
Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the deal, reported that the contract is valued at between $60 million and $70 million and covers the purchase of 300 to 400 QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS).
The agreement was reportedly signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary acting between Iran and the Chinese supplier.
The planned acquisition marks one of Tehran’s largest known efforts to reinforce its short-range air defences after the recent conflict exposed vulnerabilities in protecting military installations and strategic infrastructure from air strikes.
The sources told Reuters that initial deliveries are expected to depart by air from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan to Iran. However, Pakistan’s military denied any involvement, describing reports linking it to the transfer as “absolutely concocted and false.”
China also rejected the report. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the claims were “completely groundless” and reiterated that Beijing had consistently promoted peace and an end to the conflict.
According to Reuters, the agreement’s implementation details, including delivery schedules and final quantities, could still change.
Military analysts say the QW-12 and FN-16 are infrared-guided, shoulder-launched missile systems designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their portability allows rapid deployment around military bases, energy facilities and other sensitive locations, making them more difficult to target than fixed air defence systems.
Reuters also reported that Iran has explored alternative overland routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components to reduce the risk of disruption.
The reported procurement underscores Iran’s continued reliance on foreign suppliers alongside domestic weapons production despite years of international sanctions and restrictions on defence imports.
China and Iran have not officially confirmed the reported missile deal.
