Iran, which has resumed attacks on the US, will purchase Chinese-made shoulder-launched guided missiles to strengthen its air defense infrastructure.
According to three sources close to the matter who spoke to Reuters, the Tehran administration will begin receiving up to 400 missile launch systems within a few weeks under a deal worth between $60 and $70 million.
The purchase is said to aim at closing the defense gaps in Iran’s strategic infrastructure and military facilities resulting from US and Israeli attacks on missile, drone, and air defense facilities.
THEY BOUGHT AT LEAST 300 ROCKETS
The contract covers the supply of 300 to 400 portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
It was reported that the agreement was signed through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.
Sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, warned that although an agreement has been reached, the delivery schedule, quantities, and other implementation details may change.
CHINA DENIES THE CLAIMS
In a statement regarding the investigation, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the news was completely unfounded and emphasized that Beijing plays a consistent role in ending conflicts and promoting peace.
Pakistan’s military public relations unit, ISPR, also categorically denied terrorism that Pakistan was involved in the shipment of air defense weapons from China to Iran.
However, the guided missiles sold to Iran are sold directly and indirectly to many armies and militant groups from Africa to South Asia. Myanmar, Mali, and Burkina Faso are among the leading buyers of these missiles.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry and the companies in question did not respond to requests for comment.
HUNDREDS OF ROCKETS TO ARRIVE BY PLANE
According to the plan agreed upon between the parties, the first shipments are expected to begin by air from Urumqi in western China and be delivered to Iran via Pakistan.
In addition, Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official reported that Tehran is also examining land routes to transport military shipments and components with dual-use potential more secretly.
European and Middle Eastern security sources also stated that there have been contacts confirming Iran’s attempts to procure QW series missiles.
WHICH MISSILES IS IRAN BUYING?
The infrared-guided QW-12 and FN-16 missiles stand out as systems designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Military experts assess that these portable systems provide a flexible and effective layer of protection for military facilities and energy infrastructure compared to fixed defense batteries, thanks to their rapid deployment, usability by small teams, and frequent relocation.
