Date: July 29, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
BEIJING/TEHRAN — Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within weeks as it seeks to rebuild its military capabilities following months of conflict with the United States and Israel, according to three sources familiar with the agreement. The reported transfer marks another sign of expanding military cooperation between Tehran and Beijing amid heightened tensions across the Middle East.
According to the sources, Iran has agreed to purchase between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) under a deal valued at approximately US$60 million to US$70 million. The shipment is expected to include the QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired missile systems, both designed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
The missile systems are intended to strengthen Iran's short-range air defence network after its military infrastructure sustained significant damage during months of fighting with the United States and Israel. Defence analysts say portable air defence weapons can be rapidly deployed to protect military installations, strategic infrastructure, and frontline forces against low-altitude aerial threats.
Reuters reported that the agreement was arranged through Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, although neither the company nor Chinese authorities publicly commented on the reported transaction. Beijing has officially denied supplying weapons to parties involved in the regional conflict and maintains that it supports a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
The sources said discussions are continuing over the logistics of transporting the weapons to Iran. Both air and land delivery routes are reportedly being considered, although the exact method and timetable have not been disclosed. Pakistan, whose territory has been mentioned in speculation about possible transit routes, has denied any involvement in facilitating arms transfers.
The reported delivery comes as Iran continues rebuilding its military following a conflict that exposed weaknesses in parts of its air defence network. During the fighting, repeated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military bases, missile facilities, radar installations, and other strategic sites. Although a fragile ceasefire is currently in place, security tensions remain high throughout the region.
Military experts note that MANPADS provide mobile and flexible protection against helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft. Unlike larger surface-to-air missile batteries, shoulder-fired systems can be operated by small teams and quickly repositioned, making them useful for defending dispersed military positions and critical infrastructure.
The reported deal also reflects China's growing strategic relationship with Iran. Beijing has strengthened economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran in recent years despite Western sanctions, while both countries have expanded cooperation in areas including energy, infrastructure, and defence.
The United States and several Western governments have expressed concern over deepening military cooperation between Iran and China, arguing that additional arms transfers could further destabilize the Middle East. Officials have warned that increased military assistance to Iran may complicate efforts to reduce regional tensions and revive diplomatic negotiations.
Neither the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor Iran's Defence Ministry immediately confirmed the reported missile shipment. Chinese officials have consistently stated that Beijing does not provide weapons to parties actively engaged in armed conflicts and adheres to its international export control obligations.
If completed, the delivery would represent one of Iran's most significant reported acquisitions of portable air defence systems in recent years and could strengthen its ability to defend against low-altitude aerial attacks. Analysts say the development is likely to be closely monitored by regional governments and Western intelligence agencies as the Middle East remains in a period of heightened military and geopolitical uncertainty.