China to arm Iran with hundreds of air defence missile systems

The acquisition is one of Tehran's largest known efforts to reinforce its short-range air-defence network since the outbreak of the conflict, which exposed weaknesses in its ability to protect military facilities and critical infrastructure from sustained aerial attacks.The deal is crucial as Iran seeks to replenish and modernise its air-defence network after months of fighting. (Photo: Reuters)China is set to arm Iran with hundreds of shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems under a $70 million deal, with the first batch expected to arrive within weeks as Tehran rushes to rebuild its defences following months of war with the US and Israel. Citing three sources familiar with the agreement, Reuters reported that Iran has agreed to purchase between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including the Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missile launchers.The acquisition is believed to be one of Tehran's largest known efforts to reinforce its short-range air-defence network since the outbreak of the conflict, which exposed weaknesses in its ability to protect military facilities and critical infrastructure from sustained aerial attacks. The contract was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that will be an intermediary between Iranian authorities and the Chinese supplier.IRAN RUSHES TO REBUILD ITS DEFENCESThe deal is crucial as Iran seeks to replenish and modernise its air-defence network after months of fighting left key military assets under pressure. Repeated US and Israeli strikes targeted facilities linked to Iran's missile, drone and air-defence programmes during the conflict. Tehran responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drones, but the war also showed the difficulty of defending fixed military installations against advanced fighter aircraft and precision-guided weapons.Although Washington suspended its bombing campaign over the weekend, US President Donald Trump has warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail to produce a lasting agreement to end the five-month conflict, which has technically remained under a ceasefire since April. On Wednesday, Trump said he will order heavy strikes on Iran in retaliation for surprise attack on US forces overnight, which punctured a pause in fighting.If completed, the delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would substantially increase Iran's inventory of short-range air-defence weapons while also underlining the growing military relationship between Tehran and Beijing.CHINA REJECTS THE REPORT China has dismissed the Reuters report, denying any involvement in supplying the missile systems."The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict," China's Foreign Ministry said in response to Reuters' questions.The agreed logistics plan would see the initial shipments leave Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan and entering Iran. However, the report did not specify whether the final leg of the journey would be completed by air or overland.Pakistan, however, rejected reports that it would play any role in transporting the weapons."Speculations of Pakistan being involved in supply of Air Defence weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false," Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.WHY THESE MISSILES ARE IMPORTANTMilitary analysts believe that portable air-defence systems have become increasingly valuable on modern battlefields because they can be deployed quickly, operated by small teams and frequently relocated, making them much harder to detect and destroy than fixed air-defence batteries.The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to intercept low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility allows forces to rapidly position them around military bases, energy facilities and other strategic locations that could become targets during conflict.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersPublished By: Satyam SinghPublished On: Jul 29, 2026 20:04 IST