India, July 29 -- Amid concerns over the resumption of the war in the Middle East, Iran is reportedly expected to receive a first shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers in a few weeks.

The first shipment would be out of up to 400 such Chinese missile launchers, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the deal.

The $60-70 million-worth purchase is now reportedly the Islamic Republic's largest effort to boost its air defences as the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran exposed gaps in its ability to protect military and strategic sites.

The deal between Tehran and Beijing covers the purchase of between 300 and 400 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), including China-made QW-12 and FN-16 miss...