China is reportedly preparing to supply Iran with hundreds of shoulder-fired air defence missile systems under a $70 million deal, with the first shipment expected within weeks as Tehran moves to strengthen its defences after months of conflict with the US and Israel. Citing three sources familiar with the agreement, Reuters reported that Iran has agreed to buy between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including the Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missile launchers.
The purchase is seen as one of Iran's biggest known efforts to bolster its short-range air defence capabilities since the conflict exposed vulnerabilities in protecting military bases and critical infrastructure from sustained air strikes. According to the report, the agreement was signed with Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which will act as an intermediary between Iranian authorities and the Chinese supplier.
Iran moves to strengthen air defences
The reported deal comes as Iran seeks to rebuild and modernise its air defence network after months of fighting put key military assets under pressure. During the conflict, repeated US and Israeli strikes targeted facilities associated with Iran's missile, drone and air defence programmes.
Although Iran responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drones, the war highlighted the challenges of defending fixed military installations against advanced fighter aircraft and precision-guided weapons.
While the US paused its bombing campaign over the weekend, President Donald Trump has warned that military action 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 also warned of major retaliatory strikes against Iran after alleging that US forces had come under a surprise missile attack overnight, disrupting the recent pause in hostilities.
If the reported agreement is completed, the delivery of hundreds of MANPADS would significantly expand Iran's short-range air defence inventory and underscore growing military ties between Tehran and Beijing.
China rejects the report
China has denied the Reuters report, rejecting claims that it is supplying the missile systems to Iran.
"The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in response to Reuters.
According to the report, the planned logistics route would see the first shipments leave Urumqi in western China before passing through Pakistan and entering Iran. However, it did not specify whether the final leg of the journey would be completed by air or land.
Pakistan also denied any involvement 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 the missile systems matter
Military analysts say portable air defence systems have become increasingly important because they can be deployed rapidly, operated by small teams and frequently relocated, making them more difficult to detect and destroy than fixed air defence installations.
The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility enables forces to quickly deploy them around military bases, energy infrastructure and other strategic sites that could be vulnerable during conflict.
