Key facts
- Iran is expected to receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers within weeks.
- The deal is valued between $60 million and $70 million.
- The purchase includes Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
- This acquisition aims to bolster Iran's short-range air defense capabilities.
Iran is expected to receive 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, is one of Tehran's largest known efforts to strengthen its short-range air defenses since the outbreak of its war with the U.S. and Israel, which has exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to protect military sites and strategic infrastructure. The contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADs), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. This delivery would significantly expand Tehran's inventory of short-range air-defense weapons and underscore deepening military ties between Iran and Beijing.