Mi-28 attack helicopters delivered to Iran
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 indicate that the first Mi-28NE attack helicopters have arrived in Iran from Russia. Verified imagery shows between three and six Mi-28NE helicopters inside Iranian hangars, painted in desert camouflage and undergoing assembly or inspection.
In November 2023, Iran officially finalised a deal with Russia to acquire Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, alongside Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft and Yak-130 jet trainers. Iranian officials confirmed the agreements and stated that deliveries were underway, although no specific quantities were disclosed.
The most likely primary operator is the Iranian Army Aviation Force rather than the regular Air Force, as Iran traditionally assigns attack helicopters to ground-force support roles instead of strategic air power. However, imagery and defence sources suggest that at least part of the initial batch may be intended for units associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which conducts many of Iran’s aviation strike missions.
Geolocation of the first Iranian Mi-28 images was conducted using open-source intelligence (OSINT) methods rather than official confirmation. Analysts relied on environmental, architectural, and aviation-specific indicators. Iranian military air bases use distinctive Soviet-era and locally built hangars, such as roof truss designs and wall panel spacing, that differ from those in Russia, Syria, or Iraq. The hangars visible in the Mi-28 imagery closely match known facilities at Iranian Army Aviation bases, particularly Esfahan and/or Kermanshah. Similar structures appear in Iranian state television footage and earlier AH-1J Cobra maintenance imagery.
The Mi-28s observed are painted in a sand or light-tan desert camouflage with non-Russian paint application patterns. These colour tones match those used on some Iranian AH-1J Cobras, Mi-17s, and Bell 214 helicopters. By contrast, Russia typically delivers Mi-28s in dark green/black or export grey/green schemes.
The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name Havoc) is a Russian twin-engine, tandem two-seat attack helicopter designed primarily for anti-armour missions, close air support, and battlefield operations in day/night and all-weather conditions. It is armed with a 30 mm autocannon, guided anti-tank missiles, rockets, and air-to-air missiles, and can carry a substantial external load. The helicopter also features armoured crew protection, advanced sensors, and modern avionics for target acquisition and survivability.
Credit photos: via X