By E.K KING

Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of Chinese-made man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) within weeks under a reported $60 – 70 million agreement, according to Reuters citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The reported deal includes between 300 and 400 QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired missiles, representing one of Iran’s largest known efforts to rebuild its short-range air defense network following months of conflict with the United States and Israel.

The recent war exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s ability to defend military installations and critical infrastructure against advanced aircraft, drones and precision-guided weapons. Unlike fixed air defense batteries, MANPADS can be rapidly deployed, easily relocated and operated by small teams, making them more difficult to target.

According to the sources, the weapons would initially be transported from Urumqi in western China before transiting through Pakistan into Iran. Pakistan has denied any involvement, while China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the report as “groundless.”

Military analysts note that although the QW-12 is not China’s most advanced portable air defense system, it remains capable of countering drones, helicopters and other low-flying aircraft. Such systems have become increasingly important as unmanned aerial threats continue to expand across modern battlefields.

The reported procurement also reflects Iran’s continued efforts to modernize its military despite years of sanctions, relying on both domestic production and foreign suppliers.

If confirmed, the agreement would signal growing defense ties between China and Iran and highlight the increasing importance of affordable, mobile air-defense systems in contemporary warfare.

(Thomas Peter/Reuters)

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Originally published on Medium on July 31, 2026.