WEB DESK: Pakistan has strongly denied reports suggesting it is involved in the transfer of Chinese-made air defence missile systems to Iran, rejecting claims published by Reuters as “absolutely concocted and false.”
Citing three sources familiar with the alleged arrangement, Reuters reported that Iran is expected to receive the first batch of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile launchers within weeks as it seeks to strengthen its air defences amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
According to the report, the proposed agreement covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, in a deal reportedly valued at $60-70 million.
Reuters claimed the deliveries would initially be flown from Urumqi in western China before reportedly transiting through Pakistan to Iran. However, the report said its sources did not specify whether the onward transfer would take place by air or by road.
Responding to the claims, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) categorically denied any Pakistani involvement.
“Speculations of Pakistan being involved in supply of Air Defence weapons to Iran from China are absolutely concocted and false,” the military’s media wing said.
Reuters reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
China also rejected the report. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry described the claims as “completely groundless” and said Beijing had consistently worked to promote peace and an end to the conflict.
According to Reuters, the alleged deal was signed with Hong Kong-based Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, which the sources identified as an intermediary between Iran and the Chinese supplier. The company and its parent group did not immediately comment on the report.
Reuters said the reported procurement represents one of Iran’s largest known efforts to strengthen its short-range air defence network since the conflict exposed vulnerabilities in protecting military facilities and strategic infrastructure.
The report added that the delivery of hundreds of portable air defence systems would significantly expand Iran’s inventory of short-range weapons, although the sources cautioned that delivery schedules, quantities and implementation details could still change.
Reuters further reported that Iran has also explored overland routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components to reduce the risk of disruption, while continuing efforts to modernise its defence capabilities despite international sanctions.
