TEHRAN: Iran is preparing to strengthen its air defence network with a major weapons purchase from China, as Tehran looks to rebuild its military capabilities after months of fighting with the United States and Israel, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The country is expected to receive an initial shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within weeks under an agreement worth around $60 million to $70 million, the sources said.
The deal includes between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including China-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, which are designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones.
The agreement was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that sources said acted as a middleman between Iran and the Chinese supplier. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the reported agreement, while China’s Foreign Ministry denied the reports, calling them “completely groundless” and saying Beijing has consistently worked to promote peace and end conflicts.
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The reported purchase comes after months of military confrontation in which the United States and Israel carried out strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s missile, drone and air defence programmes.
The fighting highlighted weaknesses in Iran’s ability to defend military locations and other strategic infrastructure against advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons.
Defence experts say portable air defence systems are important because they can be quickly moved, operated by small teams and deployed in different locations, making them harder to target compared with fixed defence systems.
The QW-12 and FN-16 missiles use infrared guidance technology and are designed to provide short-range protection against aerial threats. Analysts say while newer systems in China’s QW series are considered more advanced, these weapons could still strengthen Iran’s ability to respond to low-altitude attacks.
According to sources, the first deliveries are expected to travel by air from Urumqi in western China, with possible transit through Pakistan before reaching Iran. However, they said details including delivery schedules, quantities and transport methods could still change.
Pakistan’s military public relations wing ISPR rejected reports that Islamabad was involved in supplying Chinese air defence weapons to Iran, describing the claims as “absolutely concocted and false.”
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Sources also said China and Iran have explored possible land routes for moving military supplies and dual-use components to reduce the risk of disruption.
The reported deal reflects Iran’s ongoing efforts to expand its military capabilities through both domestic production and foreign suppliers despite years of international sanctions and restrictions on defence imports.
Over the past two decades, Iran has focused heavily on developing missiles, drones and radar technology. However, recent attacks have increased the importance of mobile air defence systems that can protect sensitive locations.
Reuters previously reported that Iran was also close to reaching a separate agreement with China for anti-ship cruise missiles, though it remains unclear whether that deal was completed.
