Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of hundreds of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles purchased from China, according to a Reuters report, with Tehran and Beijing examining overland transfer routes to avoid interception. The acquisition is tied to Iran's preparations for the possibility of renewed hostilities.
A new Reuters report this morning (Wed) indicates that Iran is set to receive the first shipment of hundreds of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles from China, with Tehran and Beijing examining overland transfer routes to avoid interception. The report follows an initial Reuters dispatch at 06:52 Jerusalem that first revealed the deal and the exploration of overland routes, and a subsequent report cited by Ynet at 08:21 Jerusalem, which The Zioneer published, specifying that the shipment includes up to 400 shoulder-fired missile launchers. The new Reuters report adds that the overland route is being considered to minimize the risk of interception, and that additional military shipments may be routed by land.
The first Reuters report at 06:52 Jerusalem stated that Iran is expected to receive the first shipment of hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles from China in the coming weeks, and that Tehran and Beijing are exploring overland delivery routes. A second Reuters report shortly thereafter, also at 06:52 Jerusalem, confirmed that the two countries are considering overland routes and additional military shipments. At 08:21 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported, citing Ynet, that the shipment includes up to 400 shoulder-fired missile launchers. The source quality evolved from a single Reuters report to multiple sources (Reuters, Ynet) corroborating the details of the deal.
The development comes amid an ongoing US military campaign against Iran, as The Zioneer reported on Thu Jun 11, 10:06 Jerusalem, and heightened Israeli readiness for possible Iranian retaliation, as reported on Thu Jun 11, 02:40 Jerusalem. The overland route would reduce exposure to naval interception compared to sea transport.
The specific timeline for the shipment and the exact route remain unconfirmed. The report does not specify whether the transfer has already begun.
5 developments
- DevelopingUS signs $439.4 million contract for ATACMS missiles for Taiwan
- DevelopingIranian channels claim MoshM distributed light anti-aircraft systems to Basij operatives
- DevelopingIran explores acquiring Chinese J-10 fighters to modernize aging air force
- DevelopingWall Street Journal: Iran adapted to US defenses, American officials flag possible Chinese, Russian targeting aid
Source and signal
- Open-source intake