Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday that Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers.
Citing three sources familiar with the deal, Reuters said the purchase, reportedly valued at $60-70 million, is part of Tehran’s efforts to strengthen its short-range air defenses since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on the Islamic Republic.
“The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles,” the news agency reported, quoting the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Exclusive: Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers, as it rebuilds its defences amid war with the United States https://t.co/zZKVTbgFCc
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 29, 2026
The deal was reportedly signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the sources said was acting as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.
The sources reportedly noted that, “although the agreement had been signed, delivery schedules, quantities and other implementation details could still change.”
China’s Foreign Ministry denied the report as saying: “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”
For its part, Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request by Reuters for comment.
Source: Reuters (edited by Al-Manar)