Iran May Have Received Mi-28NE Helicopters Ordered From Russia

Iran may have received Russian-made Mi-28NE attack helicopters ordered in 2023.

The War Zone reported on this.

Several open-source materials have appeared that could indicate the delivery of these helicopters to Iran. In particular, a video recently circulated online allegedly shows a Mi-28 helicopter flying over Tehran.

However, it is currently impossible to confirm that the footage was filmed in the Iranian capital.

The camera angle does not allow the location to be clearly identified, and it cannot be ruled out that the helicopter belongs to another operator country, such as Iraq or Algeria.

Newly delivered Russian Mi-28NE attack helicopter was spotted over Tehran, Iran. pic.twitter.com/Mq5x9q4NHh

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 3, 2026

In addition, photographs of a Mi-28NE helicopter in a distinctive “desert” camouflage scheme, taken inside an unidentified hangar, appeared in late January. Members of the OSINT community stated that the images may have been taken at a facility belonging to the Iranian company Pars Aerospace Services Company (PASC), located at one of Tehran’s airports.

The company is linked to the terrorist organization Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is subject to international sanctions.

However, contradictions also exist here. The geometry of the hangar shown in the released photos – at least visually – does not match known satellite imagery of PASC facilities: the photographs show a rounded ceiling, whereas satellite images indicate a building with sharp corners and a triangular shape.

Geo-Location of the warehouse where the recently delivered to Iran Mil-28 helicopter photo is taken.
Pars Aerospace Services Company in Tehran.
35.69899, 51.29459 pic.twitter.com/VV7ruGVPWj

— Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) January 28, 2026

In this regard, it cannot be ruled out that the photographs may have been taken on Russian territory.

In addition, on January 3, Iranian journalist Mohammad Taheri published a post claiming that the Mi-28 helicopter had been officially inducted into service.

Taheri is affiliated with the Tasnim news agency, which was among the first in 2023 to report on Iran’s possible acquisition of Mi-28 helicopters, as well as Su-35 fighter jets and Yak-130 combat training aircraft.

The potential appearance of Mi-28 helicopters in Iran has also been linked to increased activity by Russian transport aviation, which conducted flights to Tehran throughout January. However, this information has not yet been confirmed.

Mi-28NE

The Mi-28NE is the export version of the Russian Mi-28N attack helicopter. It is equipped with a mast-mounted radar, thermal imaging and television sensors, and a laser rangefinder.

The pilot’s and weapons operator’s cockpits are armored, key systems are duplicated, and the main rotor blades are capable of withstanding hits from small-caliber rounds. The helicopter is also equipped with electronic countermeasures and flare dispensers to protect against man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).

The Mi-28NE is armed with a movable 30 mm automatic cannon and a wide range of missile weapons. Its primary anti-tank armament consists of guided missiles of the Ataka or Khrizantema types. The helicopter can also carry unguided rockets, aerial bombs, and air-to-air missiles for self-defense.

The export version of the Mi-28NE is adapted to the requirements of a specific customer, enabling modifications to avionics, communications, and weapons systems.

Key Specifications:

• Crew: 2
• Length: approx. 17.9 m
• Main rotor diameter: 17.2 m
• Maximum takeoff weight: up to 11,700 kg
• Engines: 2 × TV3-117VM or VK-2500
• Maximum speed: up to 300 km/h
• Cruising speed: approx. 265 km/h
• Operational range: up to 435 km (greater with auxiliary fuel tanks)