- Social media images and videos show Iran operating Russian-made Mi-28NE attack helicopters at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport in early 2026.
- The deliveries follow earlier Iranian statements on planned purchases of Russian Su-35 fighters, Yak-130 aircraft, and Mi-28 helicopters.
Recent photos and videos circulating on social media show that Iran has received Russian-made Mi-28NE attack helicopters, with aircraft spotted at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport and observed conducting flight tests over the capital in early 2026.
Several images of Mi-28NE helicopters have appeared from within and around hangars at Mehrabad Airport, where assembly work was reportedly underway following delivery from Russia. In addition, spotter videos published in early January 2026 show Mi-28NE helicopters flying over Tehran, apparently during test flights.
The helicopters delivered to Iran feature an original digital camouflage scheme. Visual evidence indicates that the aircraft are equipped with main rotor blades from the Mi-28NM modification and a new type of dust protection device, upgrades associated with improved performance in harsh environments.
Iran has not officially announced a contract for the purchase of Mi-28NE attack helicopters, and the exact number acquired remains undisclosed. However, it is widely believed that up to six Mi-28NE helicopters have been delivered to Iran to date.
In November 2023, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi told the Tasnim News Agency that negotiations had concluded regarding Iran’s acquisition from Russia of Su-35 fighter jets, Yak-130 combat training aircraft, and Mi-28 helicopters. At the time, no delivery timeline was publicly confirmed.
In early January 2026, Tasnim correspondent Mohammad Taheri circulated unofficial information stating that the first ordered Mi-28 helicopters had arrived in Iran from Russia. The recent imagery and flight videos over Tehran appear to corroborate those earlier reports.
The Mi-28NE is the export version of Russia’s Mi-28 attack helicopter, designed for anti-armor and close air support missions. It is equipped with a 30mm cannon, guided and unguided rockets, and anti-tank missiles. The addition of Mi-28NM rotor blades and updated filtration systems suggests that the helicopters delivered to Iran incorporate elements of the newer Russian configuration.
Mehrabad Airport, located in Tehran, is known to host both civilian and military aviation activity. The appearance of the helicopters at the facility and their subsequent test flights indicate that integration and acceptance procedures are underway.
The transfer of Mi-28NE helicopters to Iran represents a further expansion of defense cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.