Iran to receive Chinese missile systems within weeks: Reuters

Reuters has reported, citing sources, that Iran is expected to receive its first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense systems within weeks.

According to the sources, the deal is valued at between $60 million and $70 million, making it one of Tehran’s largest known efforts to bolster its short-range air defenses since its conflict with the United States and Israel began.

The sources told Reuters that the contract covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 portable air defense systems, including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. The deal was signed with Chongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company that the sources said acted as an intermediary between the Iranian side and the Chinese supplier.

The sources cautioned that despite the agreement being signed, delivery schedules, quantities, and other implementation details could change. Under the plan agreed by both parties, initial deliveries are to be made by air from Urumqi in western China, passing through Pakistan before reaching Iran.

Reuters previously reported that Iran was close to finalizing a separate deal with China for anti-ship cruise missiles, according to people familiar with those negotiations. Reuters was unable to determine whether that agreement has been concluded.