China to arm Iran with hundreds of air defence missile systems

30-Jul-2026

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China is set to arm Iran with hundreds of shoulder-fired air-defence missile systems under a $70 million deal, with the first batch expected to arrive within weeks as Tehran rushes to rebuild its defences following months of war with the US and Israel. 

Citing three sources familiar with the agreement, Reuters reported that Iran has agreed to purchase between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including the Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missile launchers.