Can China and Russia fill Iran's defense vacuum after 12-day war?
With its air defenses shattered by Israeli strikes in the recent war, Iran is scrambling to rebuild amid growing public doubt over the reliability of its "strategic alliances."
TEHRAN — Following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which saw Israeli airstrikes severely damage Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites and air defense assets, Tehran is seeking to repair its defensive infrastructure in preparation for a potential second round of conflict.
According to Iranian media reports — including from pro-Reform outlets Entekhab, Ruydad 24 and Asre-Iran — Tehran has acquired an advanced military package from China that includes long-range surveillance radars and high-end electronic warfare equipment. The reports have claimed that among the most notable elements received are a state-of-the-art anti-stealth radar system capable of detecting aircraft, including the F-35, and a KJ-1000 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft — significantly enhancing Iran's aerial tracking and early response capabilities. Iranian officials have yet to confirm those reports.
On Tuesday, China denied that it had shipped weapons to Iran following the conflict, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating that “China never exports weapons to countries engaged in warfare.”
If confirmed, the acquisitions could boost Iran’s defensive posture — though their real-time effectiveness remains an open question. Israeli strikes during the war were primarily conducted using stealthy F-35 fighter jets supported by F-16s and sophisticated electronic warfare. Some observers note that even advanced Chinese systems might struggle to counter such high-tech assaults.
