Sources: Iran to receive Chinese shoulder-fired air defense missile systems within weeks

Published Jul 30, 03:33 PM UTC

Iran is expected to receive a first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers within weeks, according to three sources familiar with the deal. The purchase, valued at $60-$70 million, includes QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS and is one of Tehran's largest efforts to strengthen short-range air defenses since the outbreak of war with the U.S. and Israel. The deal was signed with Hong Kong-based intermediary Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment. China and Pakistan have denied involvement. The delivery is planned to transit through Pakistan from Urumqi, China. The conflict has exposed gaps in Iran's air defense, and the weapons are intended to be more survivable than fixed systems. U.S. President Trump expressed surprise, citing assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping not to intervene on Iran's behalf.