Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of Chinese-made man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) within the coming weeks under a defence agreement reportedly worth between $60 million and $70 million, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter.
The report said the contract covers between 300 and 400 shoulder-fired air defence missile systems, including the QW-12 and FN-16, as Tehran seeks to strengthen its short-range air defence capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel.
According to Reuters, the agreement was signed through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company reportedly acting as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier.
The reported procurement represents one of Iran’s largest known efforts in recent years to reinforce its low-altitude air defence network. Military analysts say portable air defence systems provide flexibility because they can be rapidly deployed by small teams to protect military facilities, critical infrastructure and other strategic locations.
The sources cited by Reuters said deliveries are initially expected to depart from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan en route to Iran. However, they noted that delivery schedules and quantities could still change.
Pakistan’s military rejected the reports of its involvement. According to Reuters, the country’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described speculation that Pakistan would facilitate the transfer of Chinese air defence weapons to Iran as “absolutely concocted and false.”
China also denied the reported deal. Responding to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry described the reports as “completely groundless” and reiterated Beijing’s position that it supports efforts to promote peace and end the conflict.
Reuters also cited Western intelligence and regional security sources as saying Iran has explored alternative overland logistics routes for transporting military equipment and dual-use components from China while reducing the risk of disruption.
The reported acquisition comes as Tehran continues efforts to rebuild military capabilities after months of conflict, during which U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted facilities linked to Iran’s missile, drone and air defence programmes. Analysts believe expanding mobile short-range air defence assets could improve protection against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft while complementing Iran’s existing layered air defence network.
Reuters noted that it could not independently verify all aspects of the reported agreement.