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29 Jul 2026, 04:37

Reuters: Sources say Iran will receive Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems within weeks

▪️Sources say the contract includes 300 to 400 QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-launched air defense systems
▪️Sources say the value of this deal is estimated at $60 to $70 million
▪️China has dismissed this report as baseless, and Pakistan has denied involvement in the transfers

Machine Translation:
July 29 (Reuters) — Three sources familiar with the deal told Reuters that Iran is set to receive the first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-launched air defense missile launchers within weeks; a move that coincides with the country's efforts to rebuild its defense capabilities amid the ongoing war with the United States.

This purchase, valued at $60 to $70 million, is one of Tehran's largest known efforts to bolster its short-range air defense since the onset of the war with the U.S. and Israel; a conflict that has exposed weaknesses in Iran's ability to protect military facilities and strategic infrastructure.

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According to sources, the purchase contract includes between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), comprising Chinese missiles QW-12 and FN-16.

The contract has been signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, based in Hong Kong; a company that, according to sources, acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.

Iran needs to renew its armaments after months of conflict

Sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated: "The relevant reports are completely baseless. China has always played a role in promoting peace and ending conflicts."

The Beijing-based Zhong Qing Bao Shang group, the parent company of Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, had not responded to an emailed request for comment by Tuesday.

After months of conflict, during which the U.S. and Israel have targeted facilities related to Iran's missile, drone, and air defense programs, and Tehran has responded with mass launches of ballistic missiles and drones, Iran is in need of a weapons renewal.

This conflict has highlighted the difficulty of defending fixed military and strategic sites against advanced aircraft and precision-guided munitions.

Washington abruptly halted its two-week bombing campaign on Saturday, but U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if negotiations to end the five-month conflict fail, attacks will resume; a conflict that has ostensibly been in a ceasefire since April.

The delivery of hundreds of shoulder-launched air defense systems will significantly increase Iran's short-range air defense inventory and indicates that the military relationship between the country and China is deepening.

Sources warned that although the agreement has been signed, the delivery timeline, number of systems, and other operational details may still change.

According to a plan agreed upon by the parties, deliveries will initially be made by air from Ürümqi in western China and will then reach Iran via Pakistan. Sources did not specify whether the transfer from Pakistan to Iran would be by air or land.

The Pakistan Army's public relations, ISPR, stated: "Speculation about Pakistan's involvement in the transfer of air defense weapons from China to Iran is completely fabricated and incorrect." A spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Sources say China and Iran are exploring land routes for delivery

Military experts say that while Iran has made extensive investments in missiles, drones, and radars over the past two decades, portable air defense systems are important because they can be quickly dispersed, operated by small teams, and frequently relocated; features that make them less vulnerable compared to fixed air defense artillery.

One European security source said that officials in his country are aware of several contracts under negotiation regarding the potential sale of QW series shoulder-launched air defense systems to Iran, including QW-12, QW-18, and QW-19 systems.

A second security source in the Middle East said Iran has been seeking to purchase QW-12 and QW-18 missiles, but he was unaware of the finalization of the contract.

The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-launched, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Their mobility allows for rapid deployment around military facilities, energy infrastructure, and other sensitive sites.

Defense analysts consider the QW-12 to be weaker than newer models in the QW family, including the QW-18 and QW-19, but say these systems can still provide an effective layer of short-range protection against drones and low-flying targets.

Two Western intelligence sources and one Iranian official said Tehran is also considering using land routes for a more discreet transfer of military equipment and dual-use Chinese components, reducing the risk of disruption during the transfer.

This purchase reflects the continued reliance of the Islamic Republic on a combination of domestic weapons production and foreign suppliers, despite years of sanctions and restrictions on defense-related imports.

Reuters previously reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, that Iran is nearing the signing of a separate agreement with China for the purchase of anti-ship cruise missiles. Reuters could not determine whether that agreement has been finalized or not.
reuters

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