ByREUTERS

JULY 29, 2026 07:54

Tehran anticipates arrival of an initial batch of as many as 400 shoulder-fired air-defense launchers made in China within weeks, according to three individuals with knowledge of the transaction, while the country restores its protective capabilities during ongoing hostilities with the United States.

Valued between 60 and 70 million dollars, this acquisition represents one of the most substantial known initiatives by Tehran to enhance its close-range air defenses following the start of conflict with the US and Israel, which revealed weaknesses in safeguarding key military locations and vital infrastructure.

The arrangement encompasses procurement of 300 to 400 portable air-defense units, encompassing Chinese QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, the individuals indicated.

The pact was finalized through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a firm based in Hong Kong that the sources described as serving as a go-between for the Iranian purchasers and the Chinese manufacturer.

The individuals requested anonymity owing to the delicate nature of the information. Iran's foreign ministry offered no immediate response to an inquiry for comment.

Iran must replenish arms following prolonged fighting

China's Foreign Ministry stated that the associated reports lack any foundation. China has maintained a consistent position of fostering peace and resolving disputes.

The Beijing-headquartered Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, parent entity of the Hong Kong firm, provided no immediate reply to an emailed inquiry on Tuesday.

Iran must replenish its weaponry after extended combat during which the US and Israel targeted installations connected to its missile, drone and air-defense initiatives, prompting Tehran to launch volleys of ballistic missiles and drones in response.

The fighting has underscored difficulties in shielding stationary military and strategic positions from sophisticated aircraft and precision munitions.

Washington halted two weeks of strikes abruptly on Saturday, yet President Donald Trump indicated that attacks could restart should talks fail to conclude the five-month conflict, which has theoretically observed a ceasefire since April.

Receipt of hundreds of these portable systems would markedly increase Iran's stock of short-range air-defense armaments and highlight expanding military cooperation with China.

The sources noted that although the contract exists, timelines for delivery, exact numbers and further execution specifics remain subject to adjustment.

Under the agreed plan, initial shipments will travel by air from Urumqi in western China before passing through Pakistan en route to Iran, per the sources, who left unclear whether subsequent movement would occur via air or ground transport.

Pakistan's military public relations division ISPR stated that claims of Pakistani involvement in transferring air-defense weapons from China to Iran are entirely fabricated. A representative from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry did not reply to inquiries.

China and Iran consider overland paths for shipments

Although Iran has devoted significant resources over the past twenty years to missiles, drones and radar systems, defense specialists emphasize that portable air-defense units prove valuable due to their rapid dispersal, operation by small groups and frequent relocation, which reduces exposure compared to fixed installations.

A European security contact indicated that officials in that nation know of multiple ongoing discussions regarding possible QW-series MANPADS transfers to Iran, covering QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19 variants.

A second security contact based in the Middle East noted that Iran had pursued QW-12 and QW-18 missiles, though this individual was unaware that an agreement had already been reached.

The QW-12 and FN-16 function as shoulder-launched, infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles intended to counter low-altitude aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their portability supports swift positioning near military bases, energy facilities and additional sensitive areas.

Defense experts view the QW-12 as less advanced than later QW models such as the QW-18 and QW-19, yet they acknowledge that these systems can still deliver useful short-range coverage against drones and low-flying threats.

Two Western intelligence contacts and an Iranian official reported that Tehran has also examined overland options to transport Chinese military equipment and dual-use parts more covertly while lowering chances of interference.

The purchase illustrates the Islamic Republic's ongoing dependence on domestic manufacturing combined with foreign suppliers despite prolonged sanctions and limits on defense imports.

Reuters has previously reported that Iran neared a separate pact with China for anti-ship cruise missiles, based on individuals familiar with those talks. Reuters could not confirm whether that arrangement was completed.