Reports suggest Tehran is seeking additional Chinese and Russian man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), including China’s QW-12 and FN-16 and Russia’s 9K333 Verba.
Some reports claim hundreds of shoulder-fired systems have already been acquired or are being prepared for delivery, although the exact numbers and deployment details have not been independently confirmed.
The systems would help Iran counter low-altitude threats, including drones, helicopters and other aircraft. Greater protection is expected around military bases, strategic infrastructure and other sensitive locations.
Iran is also reportedly considering spreading short-range air-defense units around key military and missile-related facilities. This could create multiple defensive layers designed to make low-level attacks more difficult.
The effort highlights a major vulnerability exposed during the conflict: Iran’s difficulty protecting important sites from drones and low-flying aircraft.
By strengthening its short-range defenses, Tehran could focus its more advanced air-defense systems on higher-value and longer-range threats.
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