Iran Receives its First Mi-28NE Night Hunter Helicopter from Russia: Reports

Russia has reportedly delivered the first Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopter to Iran, indicating the initial shipment under a procurement announced in November 2023.

Images and geolocation data circulating online show a Mi-28NE inside a hangar in Tehran that analysts link to the Pars Aerospace Services Company, an aviation maintenance and industrial facility rather than an operational air base, as per multiple reports. The helicopter’s location is assessed as consistent with inspection and acceptance activities, not deployment.

The aircraft appears in a digital desert camouflage pattern consistent with those used by Iranian military aviation units. However, some uncertainty remains - OSINT analysts note that the hangar’s rounded ceiling does not clearly match satellite imagery of known Pars Aerospace facilities, which appear to have more angular structures. It raises the possibility that the images could have been taken outside Iran, including in Russia.

A separate video allegedly showing a Mi-28 flying over Tehran has also circulated online. It may belong to another operator such as Iraq or Algeria.

On January 3, Iranian journalist Mohammad Taheri, affiliated with the state-owned Tasnim news agency claimed that the Mi-28 had been officially inducted into service.

Iran has not issued an official confirmation.

The Mi-28NE is the export version of Russia’s Mi-28N attack helicopter. It is a two-seat platform designed to engage armored vehicles, personnel, and low-speed aerial targets, while also supporting ground forces and reconnaissance missions. The helicopter features armored cockpits, collision-resistant fuel tanks, duplicated critical systems, and countermeasures against man-portable air-defense systems.

Powered by two VK-2500 engines, the Mi-28NE has a maximum takeoff weight of up to about 12,100 kilograms and a top speed of around 300 kilometers per hour. It can operate in hot and high-altitude conditions and is armed with a 30 mm cannon, guided anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, and air-to-air missiles for self-defense.