Iran Reportedly to Receive Chinese-Made Portable Air Defense System

Illustration of Iran's Talaash air defense system. (Wikimedia Commons/Tasnim News Agency)

JAKARTA - Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-launched air defense missile launchers in the coming weeks, according to three sources familiar with the deal to Reuters, as Iran seeks to rebuild its defenses amid a war with the United States.

The purchase, worth 60-70 million US dollars, is one of Tehran's biggest efforts to strengthen its short-range air defenses since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel, which revealed a gap in Iran's ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure.

"The contract includes the purchase of between 300 and 400 portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles," the source said, citing Al Arabiya from Reuters (29/7).

The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the source said acted as an intermediary between the Iranian party and Chinese suppliers.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The sources cautioned that although the agreement has been signed, the delivery schedule, quantity, and other implementation details may still change.

Based on the plan agreed by the parties, the shipment will initially be carried by air from Urumqi in western China, then transit through Pakistan to Iran, according to the sources, who did not explain whether the transfer would be by air or land.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said: "The reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending conflicts."

Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, did not immediately respond to a request for comment via email on Tuesday.

Iran needs to rearm after months of fighting in which the US and Israel have attacked facilities linked to its missile, drone and air defense programs, and Tehran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones.

The conflict has highlighted the challenges of defending military and strategic sites against sophisticated aircraft and precision-guided weapons.

The delivery of hundreds of MANPADS will significantly expand Iran's inventory of short-range air defense weapons and underscore how its military ties with China are growing closer.

The sources cautioned that although the agreement has been signed, the delivery schedule, quantity, and other implementation details may still change.

Based on the plan agreed by the parties, the shipment will initially be carried by air from Urumqi in western China, then transit through Pakistan to Iran, according to the sources, who did not explain whether the transfer would be by air or land.

A European security source said that authorities in his country were aware of several contracts under discussion regarding the possible sale of QW series MANPADS to Iran, including the QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems.

A second security source, in the Middle East, said Iran had been trying to buy the QW-12 and QW-18 missiles, but they were unaware that a deal had been reached.

The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-launched, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to attack low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Their mobility allows them to be quickly deployed around military installations, energy infrastructure, and other sensitive locations.