Reuters: Iran to Receive First Batch of Chinese MANPADS Within Weeks

Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of Chinese man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) within the next few weeks to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

Reuters reported this, citing sources familiar with the agreement.

According to the news agency, the deal with China provides for the delivery of up to 400 MANPADS in total, including the FN-16 and QW-12 models.

The value of the deal is estimated at $60–70 million, making it one of the largest known efforts by Tehran to strengthen its short-range air defense since the war with the United States and Israel began.

The fighting exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to defend its military facilities and strategic infrastructure.

The agreement was signed with the Hong Kong-based company Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the report as “completely groundless,” stating: “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a constructive role in promoting peace and facilitating a ceasefire.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the report as “completely groundless,” stating: “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a constructive role in promoting peace and facilitating a ceasefire.”

According to the plan agreed by the parties, the deliveries will initially be transported by air from Ürümqi, in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, to Pakistan. From there, the systems will be shipped in transit to Iran, most likely by road.
Sources familiar with the matter told the agency that, despite the contract having been signed, the delivery schedule, the number of systems to be supplied, and other implementation details could still change.

CNN reported as early as April that China was preparing to deliver MANPADS to Iran within the following few weeks. It therefore remains unclear whether Reuters is reporting on a new order or referring to the shipment that was first reported in April.

CNN journalists, citing US intelligence assessments they had reviewed, reported at the time that Beijing planned to route the deliveries through third countries to conceal the weapons’ true origin.

The QW-12 is considered one of China’s most advanced man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). It has a maximum engagement range of approximately 6 km and a maximum interception altitude of up to 4 km.