Misagh-2

Misagh-2 is an Iranian infrared-guided, man-portable surface-to-air missile for low-altitude air defense, with disputed Chinese QW-family lineage.

Overview

Misagh-2, also rendered Mithaq-2, is an Iranian man-portable air-defense system, or MANPADS, that succeeded Misagh-1. CSIS places its development in the early 2000s and describes an infrared-guided missile with a reported engagement range of 5–6 km. Iran launched domestic mass production in February 2006, according to Army Recognition.

Its relationship to Chinese missiles remains disputed. The Small Arms Survey associates Misagh-2 with the QW-18 pattern and describes Chinese component imports followed by Iranian assembly. Other references assign it to different QW models. Consequently, the Iranian designation does not establish an entirely Iranian supply chain or resolve the precise seeker configuration.

The system's significance extends beyond Iran's armed forces. Small Arms Survey documents QW-18-pattern systems identified as Misagh-2 in Iraqi militia holdings, while a CTC Sentinel study identifies Misagh-2 rounds and battery units in the 2013 Jihan-1 shipment intercepted off Yemen. These records establish possession and transfer evidence. A Misagh-2-specific aircraft shoot-down is not publicly established.

Image - An Iranian Misagh-2 launcher (left) and missile (right) on display. Photo by Satyar Emami, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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