Iran Buys Chinese HQ-9B Missiles to Boost Air Defenses

Iran is under pressure. After recent attacks on its military and nuclear sites, the country is focused on improving its air defenses.

The Iranian military, like Iraq, is turning to Asia for help. While Iraq has chosen South Korea’s Cheongung-II systems, Iran has decided to work with China, reports WP.

The Iranian armed forces, known as Artesh, have recently added China’s HQ-9B air defense system to their arsenal.

Trading Oil for Weapons

The deal between Tehran and Beijing is unusual. Iran is not paying with money. Instead, it is trading oil in return for weapons.

This barter deal helps both sides. China gets more oil, and Iran avoids U.S. sanctions. It is not clear how many HQ-9B units Iran has received.

Reports suggest it might be the FD-2000B model, which has a range of 250 kilometers.

The new Chinese systems are meant to protect important areas. These include military bases and nuclear facilities. Some say the U.S. will monitor these deliveries closely.

Iran hopes this equipment can help fill the gaps in its current defenses. Still, the performance of these systems is unclear. The same models did not perform well in Pakistan during recent operations.

Expanding Air Defenses

Iran may also be looking to buy Chinese fighter jets. There is talk about the Chengdu J-10CE, but nothing is confirmed. Reports on the number of planes and the progress of talks are missing.

Iran’s own defense systems have struggled. In 2024, Israeli airstrikes destroyed most of Iran’s S-300 sites. These were Russian-made systems meant to guard major areas like Isfahan and Natanz.

The Bavar-373, which Iran developed as a local solution, was supposed to be better. Some sources say it can track and attack several targets at once.

But details are vague. The Chordad 15 system also promised strong results. It has not delivered.

China Is Becoming a Threat to Russia

Buying Chinese systems is a sign that Iran’s local weapons are not enough. The deal also shows closer ties between Iran and China.

Iran is in a difficult spot internationally. But it seems China is ready to step in and support it.

The HQ-9B is made by China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation. It can target planes, missiles, and stealth threats.

The radar tracks up to 100 targets and engages multiple at the same time. Other countries like Pakistan, Morocco, and Egypt also use this system.

China is becoming a serious rival to Russia in the arms trade, especially in the Middle East and Africa.