Iran has reportedly received Russian-made Mi-28 Havoc Attack helicopters, according to independent defense profiles and open-source intelligence (OSINT) accounts.
The information was shared by the site The Aviationist, which cited an image that began circulating on social media showing a Mi-28 Havoc Attack helicopter at what appears to be an Iranian facility.
The helicopter was painted in desert pixelated camouflage and had no visible markings. Reports indicate it was stationed at Pars Aerospace Services Company in Tehran.
The delivery of the Russian helicopter had been suggested by journalist Mohamad Taheri on January 3 and followed a 2023 rumor that Iran had finalized a deal with Russia for the delivery of Mi-28NE helicopters.
Given the severe and gradual diplomatic restrictions associated with the transfer of Su-35S fighters, the Mi-28NE attack helicopters appear to be the easiest asset for Russia to transfer to Iran at this time.
It is worth noting that the Mi-28 seen in the photo is partially disassembled, suggesting it was transported aboard larger Russian cargo carriers, possibly Il-76MDs.
On January 1, two days before Taheri’s post on X regarding the Mi-28, the Open Source Intel profile wrote in a post that it had tracked five Russian Il-76 aircraft heading to Tehran in the previous two days.
It is still unknown how many Mi-28 helicopters Iran ordered and how many have been delivered. Additionally, given the camouflage and absence of markings or insignia on the Mi-28 shown in the photo, it is also not possible to determine whether it will be used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), the Iranian Ground Forces, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In any case, this delivery demonstrates that Russia’s support for Iran at present is largely diplomatic. Considering Russia is struggling with a shortage of military equipment during its conflicts with Ukraine, any transfer to Tehran, at least in the near future, would be limited and would do little to shift the balance of Iran’s military capabilities against Israel.
Photo: Telegram. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
