Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of hundreds of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers within weeks as part of an effort to strengthen its air defense capabilities, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing three sources familiar with the deal.

According to the report, the contract includes the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), including the QW-12 and FN-16 models, designed to intercept low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The purchase is worth $60-70 million.

The sources said the agreement was arranged through a Hong Kong-based company that served as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier. They added, however, that the delivery schedule, shipment volume, and implementation details could still change.

Reuters described the purchase as one of Iran’s most significant efforts to strengthen its short-range air defense network since the outbreak of hostilities with the United States and Israel. The strikes carried out in recent months exposed gaps in Iran’s ability to protect military bases, nuclear facilities, and strategic infrastructure from precision attacks.

Under the plan discussed by the parties, the first shipments are expected to depart from Urumqi in western China and transit through Pakistan on their way to Iran. However, it remains unclear whether the systems will be transported by air or overland.

Security experts note that portable air-defense systems offer an operational advantage because of their mobility. They can be rapidly deployed around military bases, energy facilities, and other sensitive infrastructure, then relocated frequently to make them more difficult to detect and target.

China’s Foreign Ministry denied the report, stating that “the relevant reports are completely groundless,” adding that “China has consistently played a role ⁠in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”

A Pakistani military spokesman also denied that his country was involved in transferring such weapons to Iran, calling the allegations “fabricated and false.”

According to security sources cited in the report, Iran has also recently explored purchasing more advanced systems from the QW series, including the QW-18 and QW-19. Western and Iranian intelligence officials added that Tehran is also examining overland smuggling routes for transporting military equipment and dual-use components from China in an effort to reduce the risk of shipment disruptions.

Reuters noted that it had previously reported Iran was also in talks with China to purchase anti-ship cruise missiles, although it remains unclear whether that deal was ultimately completed.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently addressed claims that Russia and China are assisting Iran in acquiring weapons, saying he was convinced the reports were untrue. He warned that if it turns out such arms deals are indeed taking place between the countries, “it will be very bad for them.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)