The Iranian Air Force has flown at least two Mi-28 attack helicopters over Tehran, Military Watch Magazine reported.
As the publication notes, the Mi-28s are the only attack helicopters in Iran's inventory. The purpose of their flight was to demonstrate the country's military power and the presence of aircraft in Tehran after the bombings by Israel and the United States.
The Mi-28 could potentially contribute significantly to Iran's military operations against the United States and its allies.
Known by its NATO reporting name Havoc or the Russian "Night Hunter", the Mi-28 is a specialized helicopter designed to destroy armored vehicles, manpower and air targets in any
The crew is protected by the so-called “titanium bath“, which withstands direct hits from 20-mm shells.
Its crew consists of two people, located in a tandem cabin.
The helicopter is equipped with passive protection systems and ejection seats that soften the impact in the event of an emergency landing.
Its two gas turbine engines allow for high maneuverability and speed. Its normal take-off weight is about 10,400 kg, with a maximum of up to 11,500 kg.
The Mi-28N modification is optimized for night operations thanks to advanced thermal imaging systems and radar.
The machine has a 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannon mounted under the nose. It can carry up to 16 anti-tank missiles, as well as unguided air-to-air missile pods.
It has the ability to mount air-to-air missiles to defend against enemy helicopters and drones.
The Mi-28 is considered a major competitor to the American AH-64 Apache, boasting a higher level of passive protection, but is often criticized for being more complex to maintain.
Russia provides Iran with significant military and intelligence support, which has evolved into a deep strategic partnership.
Moscow provides Tehran with access to real-time satellite information, including data on the movements of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East. This assistance is critical to targeting Iranian attacks on Western bases and interests in the region.
The Russian side is providing specialized technologies to improve Iranian drones, as well as battlefield experience in Ukraine to improve attack tactics.
Deliveries of Russian weapons continue, with the integration of modern air defense systems and aircraft such as the Su-35 expected or already underway, in order to strengthen Iran's defense capability against potential air strikes.
In the context of the ongoing conflicts in the region, Russia is also supplying medical supplies and medicines to address shortages following military operations.
This cooperation is bilateral, with Iran continuing to be a key supplier of "Shahed" drones for Russian operations in Ukraine.