Iran Boosts Air Defenses with Chinese Help After Israel Ceasefire

Iran has taken possession of Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries to rebuild defensives destroyed by Israel during their recent 12-day conflict. The deliveries occurred after a de-facto truce was struck between Iran and Israel on June 24. The US's Arab allies were aware of Tehran's efforts to "back up and reinforce" its air defenses, and the White House was informed of Iran's progress.

Iran has taken delivery of Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries to rebuild its air defense system, which was severely damaged during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. The deliveries occurred following a de-facto truce between the two nations on June 24. According to a London-based news website, Middle East Eye, Iran is paying for the Chinese air defense systems with increased oil exports to China [1].

The US's Arab allies were aware of Tehran's efforts to "back up and reinforce" its air defenses, and the White House was informed of Iran's progress [1]. China, being the largest importer of Iranian oil, is facilitating this transaction. The US Energy Information Agency estimated that nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports are destined for Chinese ports [1].

The conflict between Iran and Israel significantly depleted the US stockpile of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptor missiles. According to American media, defense news outlets, and independent analysts, the 12-day Israeli military aggression against Iran led to a substantial transfer of advanced missile defense capabilities to support Israel, depleting US strategic reserves [2].

THAAD, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a key component of Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture. It is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, including those launched from Iran and Yemen. The US-made system is capable of targeting short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, whether inside or outside Earth's atmosphere. THAAD uses a “hit-to-kill” method, relying on kinetic energy rather than explosive warheads to destroy incoming threats, intercepting at altitudes of up to 150 km and ranges between 150-200 km [2].

During the 12-day war of aggression against Iran, THAAD's performance deteriorated significantly, highlighted by its low interception rate and the rapid depletion of US and Israeli interceptor stockpiles. The system's limitations, including radar difficulties in distinguishing between actual warheads and decoys, vulnerability to saturation by large-scale missile barrages, and diminished effectiveness against newer hypersonic and maneuverable missile designs, were evident [2].

The rapid depletion of THAAD interceptors during the conflict underscores the system's limitations in a high-intensity, multi-wave missile war. The high cost of THAAD interceptors, estimated between $12 million and $15 million each, further highlights the financial burden on the US defense budget [2].

References:
[1] https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/liran-compra-dalla-cina-batterie-di-missili-terra-aria-dopo-il-cessate-il-fuoco-con-israele/
[2] https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/07/02/750462/1-5-smoke-us-thaad-missile-stockpile-dries-defending-israel-against-iran