Misaq 2 (QW-18)

The QW or Qianwei is a series of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) developed by the Chinese defense corporation China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).

Developed by China's CASIC in the early 2000s to counter advanced infrared countermeasures and low-flying cruise missiles, the QW-18 served as the technological basis for Iran's domestic Misaq-2 program, which was unveiled in 2006. Following its induction into the Iranian armed forces, the system was widely distributed to regional allies and non-state proxies across the Middle East. The weapon has seen extensive combat deployment in the Syrian Civil War and the Yemeni Civil War, where Houthi forces have utilized it against coalition helicopters and drones. Today, the Misaq-2 remains a highly active low-altitude air defense asset, though it is increasingly supplemented by the newer Misaq-3 variant.