Archive · 29 Jul 2026
China to Supply Iran with Shoulder-Fired Missiles
Iran is getting a lot of new shoulder-fired missiles from China.
These missiles are called QW-12 and FN-16.
They are used to protect against low-flying planes, helicopters, and drones.
Iran needs these missiles because it has been in a war with the United States and Israel.
The U.S. and Israel have been attacking Iran's military sites, and Iran wants to make sure it can defend itself better.
The missiles will be sent from China to Iran, possibly through Pakistan.
This deal is worth a lot of money, between $60 and $70 million.
China says it is not involved, but sources say the deal is real.
Iran has been trying to get better weapons for a long time, and this deal is one of the biggest efforts to do that.
Iran is expected to receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers.
The purchase is valued at $60-70 million and includes QW-12 and FN-16 missiles.
The deal was signed with Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based intermediary.
Iran needs to rearm after months of conflict with the U.S. and Israel, which has exposed gaps in its air defences.
The missiles will be delivered from Urumqi, China, transiting through Pakistan, though Pakistan denies involvement.
- Who
- Iran, China, United States, Israel
- What
- Supply of shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems
- When
- Within weeks
- Where
- From China to Iran, transiting through Pakistan
- Why
- To strengthen Iran's short-range air defences amid conflict with the U.S. and Israel
Iran and China
United States and Israel
Military Support
Iran and China
China is supplying Iran with shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems to strengthen its short-range air defences.
United States and Israel
The United States and Israel have been striking Iranian military sites and infrastructure, highlighting Iran's need for better air defences.
Conflict and Ceasefire
Iran and China
Iran is rearming after months of conflict with the U.S. and Israel, which has exposed gaps in its air defences.
United States and Israel
The U.S. has suspended bombardment but threatens to resume strikes if negotiations fail, indicating ongoing tensions.
- Purchase Value
- $60-70 million
- Missile Systems
- QW-12 and FN-16
- Intermediary Company
- Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment
- Delivery Route
- From Urumqi, China, transiting through Pakistan
- Conflict Duration
- Five months
- Ceasefire Status
- In theory since April
