Iran Purchases Chinese-Made Shoulder-Fired Missile Systems, Expected to Receive Within Weeks

Iran has purchased Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile systems and is expected to receive them within weeks

July 29

Iran, which is rebuilding its air defense capabilities amid its war with the United States, has purchased up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile systems (MANPADS), with the first batch expected to be delivered within weeks, Reuters reported, citing three sources.

The arms deal, valued at between $60 million and $70 million, includes Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 shoulder-fired missile systems, and marks one of Iran's largest efforts to bolster its short-range air defense since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel.

The arms sales contract was reportedly signed between Iran and Chinese manufacturers, facilitated by the Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment company as an intermediary.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has not immediately responded to the matter, and the Beijing-based parent company, Zhong Qing Bao Shang Group, also did not reply to Reuters' inquiries.

China's Foreign Ministry responded that these reports are completely unfounded and that China has consistently supported peace and the cessation of economic and conflict-related disputes.

According to the agreed plan, the air defense weapons will be initially transported by air from Urumqi in China's western Xinjiang province, passing through Pakistan before being delivered to Iran, sources said. However, it remains unclear whether the shipment from Pakistan to Iran will be by air or land.

Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), denied reports that Pakistan is involved in transporting air defense weapons from China to Iran, calling them fabricated and completely false.

Ref; Reuters
Photo; Reuters, Global Defense Corp

MyoTaw News Channel