--- title: "Chinese MANPADS for Iran: Details of a Secret Deal Amid Escalation with the US" description: "Iran has concluded a secret deal with China worth $70 million: Tehran is purchasing hundreds of MANPADS to defend against drones and aircraft. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Deliveries will go through Pakistan amidst Trump's threats and conflict escalation. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ" date: 2026-07-29T08:58:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/chinese-manpads-for-iran-details-of-a-secret-deal-amid-escalation-with-the-us tags: [iran, china, trump, missile-defense, middle-east] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Chinese MANPADS for Iran: Details of a Secret Deal Amid Escalation with the US ![Chinese QW-2 man-portable air-defense system on display: potential export to Iran amid escalating tensions with the US](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/29/iran-kupit-kitayskie-pzrk-70-mln-dollarov/iran-kupit-kitayskie-pzrk-70-mln-dollarov-1.webp) Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Tehran and Washington, as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran has concluded a major arms procurement agreement with China. The deal involves the supply of 300 to 400 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), aimed at closing critical gaps in the Islamic Republic's air defense. ### Contract Details and Logistics The deal is valued at $60โ€“70 million. The contract stipulates the delivery of two types of Chinese missile systems: the FN-16 and an upgraded version of the QW-12. The transaction was facilitated through the Hong Kong-based company Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which acted as an intermediary between Iranian buyers and Chinese manufacturers. The logistics chain for the delivery also has its peculiarities. According to the plan, the weapons will first be transported by air from Urumqi (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in western China) to Pakistan. Subsequently, the systems will likely be moved by road through Pakistani territory into Iran. ### Technical Specifications and Tactical Role The procured QW-12 and FN-16 systems are man-portable "surface-to-air" complexes with infrared guidance. They are designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles at altitudes up to 4,000 meters. A key advantage of these systems is their mobility. This allows for the rapid deployment of defenses around military bases, energy infrastructure, and other strategically important facilities that were previously vulnerable. Military analysts note that, although the QW-12s are less powerful than the latest Chinese developments, the QW-18 and QW-19, they are capable of providing effective short-range protection, particularly against drones. ### Official Reaction and Geopolitical Context Despite the existence of a signed agreement, official bodies have adopted a cautious stance. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has so far refrained from commenting on this information. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the report of the deal as completely baseless, emphasizing Beijing's role in promoting peace and ending the conflict in the Middle East. Reuters sources clarify that, despite the signing of documents, delivery schedules and the exact number of weapon units may be adjusted during the implementation of the contract. This deal fits into the broader picture of deepening military ties between Tehran and Beijing. It serves as a response to recent events: on the night of July 29, Iran launched a ballistic strike on a US base in the Middle Eastโ€”the first attack since the recent ceasefire. At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington does not rule out either a positive outcome of negotiations or a scenario involving the use of force, including the threat of destroying a nuclear facility in Pikaks in the absence of an agreement.