Iran is anticipated to receive an initial shipment of up to 400 Chinese-manufactured shoulder-fired air defence missile launchers within the coming weeks as it aims to rebuild its air defence capabilities amid ongoing tensions with the United States, three sources familiar with the arrangement revealed. However, Pakistan’s government has firmly denied any participation in facilitating this transfer.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military communications wing, stated that allegations suggesting Pakistan’s involvement in supplying air defence weapons to Iran from China are entirely fabricated and baseless. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry did not provide any comment on the matter.
the sources, the delivery plan involves initial air shipments from Urumqi in western China, with the cargo reportedly transiting through Pakistan en route to Iran. It remains unclear whether the transfer through Pakistan would continue by air or road.
Valued between $60 million and $70 million, this procurement represents one of Tehran’s most significant efforts to bolster its short-range air defence systems since the outbreak of hostilities with the US and Israel. The conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s ability to safeguard its military installations and critical infrastructure.
The contract includes the acquisition of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), specifically Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. The deal was finalized with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary company acting between the Iranian buyers and the Chinese suppliers.
Sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, noted that Iran requires rearmament following months of conflict. China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the reports as completely unfounded, emphasizing its consistent role in promoting peace and conflict resolution.
The parent company, Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, has not responded to inquiries regarding the transaction. Iran’s need to replenish its arsenal follows repeated strikes by the US and Israel targeting its missile, drone, and air defence programs, to which Tehran has retaliated with ballistic missile and drone attacks.
The ongoing conflict has underscored the difficulty of defending fixed military and strategic sites against advanced aircraft and precision-guided munitions. Although Washington paused bombardments for two weeks, former President Donald Trump warned that strikes would resume if diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the five-month-long conflict, which has been in a theoretical ceasefire since April.
The delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would considerably enhance Iran’s short-range air defence inventory and highlight the deepening military cooperation between China and Iran. However, the sources cautioned that while the agreement is signed, details such as delivery timelines and quantities could still be subject to change.
In addition to air routes, China and Iran are reportedly exploring overland pathways for the shipment of military supplies, aiming to reduce the risk of disruption and maintain discretion. Military analysts note that portable air defence systems like the QW-12 and FN-16 are crucial due to their mobility, allowing rapid deployment and relocation, which makes them less vulnerable than fixed batteries.
European and Middle Eastern security sources have acknowledged ongoing discussions about potential sales of various QW-series MANPADS to Iran, including QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems. The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided missiles designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones, providing a mobile layer of defence for military and energy infrastructure.
While the QW-12 is considered less advanced than newer variants like the QW-18 and QW-19, defence experts agree that these systems still offer effective protection against drones and other low-altitude threats. The procurement illustrates Iran’s ongoing reliance on a mix of domestic arms production and foreign suppliers despite enduring sanctions and import restrictions.
Previously, it was reported that Iran was close to securing a separate deal with China for anti-ship cruise missiles, though it remains unclear if that agreement was finalized.
