China is preparing to deliver new man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran within the next few weeks. This shipment marks a significant escalation in China’s military support for Tehran.
The shipments are expected to be routed through third countries to conceal their origin. Such tactics have been used previously to evade international scrutiny. MANPADs have posed an asymmetric threat to low-flying U.S. military aircraft throughout the five-week war, raising alarms among defense analysts.
Former President Donald Trump indicated that an F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran was hit by a handheld shoulder missile. This incident underscores the potential dangers posed by these systems, particularly if they fall into the hands of hostile forces.
China produces the FN (FeiNu) export line of MANPADS, including the FN-6 and FN-16 systems. These weapons can engage targets at altitudes of up to 4 kilometers, making them effective against various aerial threats.
Chinese companies have continued to sell Iran sanctioned dual-use technology despite international pressure. China has denied providing weapons to any party in the conflict, labeling such claims as untrue. A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy stated, “As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations.” Yet, observers note that shipping MANPADS would significantly alter the dynamics of regional conflicts.
Iran has long maintained established military and economic relationships with both China and Russia. Moscow has been providing support to the Iranian regime throughout the course of the war, further complicating international relations in the region.
Beijing is trying to position itself as a continued friend to Iran—whose oil it heavily depends upon—while remaining outwardly neutral. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding whether the air defense system used against the F-15 was manufactured in China.
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