Amid Israeli Concern, Iran Seeks 'Russian Beast' Helicopters

Israel is closely monitoring Iran's efforts to modernize its military helicopter fleet by seeking an unspecified number of Russian "Mi-28" helicopters, described as the "most terrifying in the world," according to the Hebrew newspaper "Calcalist."

This revelation comes at a time when tensions are peaking between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, amidst growing reports of a potential resumption of war against Iran after or even before the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.

The newspaper published a report detailing Iran's pursuit of the attack helicopter dubbed the "Beast," which outperforms the American "Apache" aircraft, considered one of the main pillars of the Israeli Air Force and actively involved in combat operations.

The Hebrew report indicates that Iran seeks to obtain as many Russian helicopters as possible to replace its fleet of "Cobra" aircraft, which have remained in service since the era when Iran and the United States were allies.

The paper noted that "Mi-28" helicopters would assist Iran in tracking unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—a task of vital importance to Tehran—in addition to their role in the conflict against the opposition group "Jundallah," active in "Sistan and Baluchestan Province."

Tehran's vigorous efforts to acquire the Russian helicopter coincide with Moscow's ongoing updates in electronic warfare capabilities, longer-range missiles, defensive equipment, and various other improvements. Developments are also expected in the heavy helicopter armor in the future.

The Hebrew paper went further in its vision for future versions of the Russian helicopter, stating that given technological advancements, each "Mi-28" helicopter is expected to be equipped with swarms of small drones as a permanent part of its basic equipment.

"The Russian Night Hunter"
The Hebrew report reviewed some of the aircraft's specifications, starting with its external appearance, describing it as looking like "an attack helicopter subjected to intensive doses of steroids, as if born inside a gym in a prison," according to its expression.

According to the report, "It is not just about appearance; the (Mi-28) helicopter surpasses the (Apache) in speed and power, possesses the ability to carry a highly diverse arsenal of weapons, and can perform complex maneuvers that the toughest Western helicopters have yet to master."

The story of the "Mi-28" helicopter began in the 1970s, when the Soviet Union realized its need for a new type of attack helicopter. The helicopter then in service was the "Mi-24," which was itself a massive and powerful machine.

The "Mi-24" was capable of carrying heavy weapons and transporting 8 soldiers simultaneously, but these capabilities came at the cost of maneuverability and increased technical complexity. Moreover, many missions did not actually require troop transport, but rather flexible firepower available for immediate use.

In addition, the aircraft contains antennas designed to detect enemy radar tracking operations, laser detection sensors mounted on the wings, and the possibility of installing a 360-degree scanning radar above the main rotor.

The "Mi-28" helicopter features a highly diverse weapons system; it can carry up to 16 missiles—guided by laser, radar, or radio commands—with a range of up to 12 kilometers, in addition to air-to-air missiles designed to target other helicopters, and "KMGU-2" containers for deploying mines.

Alongside missiles, the helicopter can be fitted with unguided rocket pods, holding either 40 rockets of 80mm diameter or 10 rockets of 122mm diameter (similar to those used in the "Grad" rocket system). It can also carry aerial bombs—similar to those used by fighter jets—weighing 100 kg and 250 kg.

At the bottom of the fuselage is a 30mm cannon surrounded by two ammunition chambers; one contains fragmentation shells for personnel and unarmored vehicles, while the other holds armor-piercing shells for dealing with tanks and fortifications. The helicopter can easily carry two additional chambers, each containing a 23mm cannon.

Its engines generate approximately 2,200 horsepower—10% more than the engines of the most powerful "Apache" models—allowing it to reach a normal flight speed of 270 km/h (with a maximum speed reaching 320 km/h), a speed sufficient for rapid deployment to any required location.

The only performance limitation is range; the operational radius of the "Mi-28" helicopter is about 200 kilometers, equivalent to half the range of similar Western helicopters.

Flying Tanks
Attack helicopters are designed to operate as flying tanks, and the "Mi-28" excels in this aspect; it is designed to withstand damage greater than what most of its counterparts worldwide can endure. For example, this helicopter features large landing gear, specifically designed to allow it to survive violent emergency landings without killing its crew.

Pilots enjoy high protection inside fully armored cabins capable of stopping projectiles up to 20mm in caliber. Furthermore, there is an armored barrier separating these cabins; ensuring that if a projectile hits and penetrates one cabin, the other crew member can continue operating the helicopter.

In emergencies, the helicopter can jettison its stub wings and deploy two inflatable sleds from the sides of the cockpit; allowing the crew to climb onto them and escape without being pushed by the airflow into the rotor blades.

Although this system is not a traditional ejection seat, it represents an escape method that has proven highly effective.

Regarding what the report described as the "protruding nose," it is heavily armored, especially the observation system used for weapon guidance. Technically, the "Mi-28" (Mi-28) helicopter can fly toward a target while under fire and still remain capable of returning fire and destroying that target.

3 Complex Missions
This helicopter performs 3 complex missions in the Ukrainian war, accomplishing them with high efficiency; the first mission is acting as "flying artillery" and detecting hidden enemy positions.

Helicopters fly at extremely low altitudes—almost touching treetops—then raise their noses upward to launch a dense barrage of rockets (often 80mm or 122mm caliber) toward Ukrainian forces' positions.

Bombardment rains down like deadly rain, prompting Ukrainians to quickly identify the launch platform that carried out the attack. Thanks to its low-altitude flight, the helicopters remain undetected; the adversary assumes the attack originated from a ground-based "Grad" rocket battery, locates the launch site using specialized radars, and initiates a quick response.

Thus, the adversary not only fails to hit any target but unintentionally reveals the locations of its own artillery batteries.

The second mission of the "Mi-28" helicopter is pursuing moving targets—such as tanks, armored personnel carriers, and light vehicles—with top priority given to targeting air defense systems and electronic warfare equipment.

This helicopter is equipped with sensors more powerful than those found in any drone in the Russian arsenal; enabling it to detect and destroy vehicles even from long distances and in difficult weather conditions.

Technically, it is capable of locating and neutralizing a tank even during a snowstorm—a task frequently performed by Putin's pilots.

The third mission involves rescuing pilots who used ejection seats to exit their aircraft, via a method unparalleled in the West. At the rear of the fuselage, there is a door that can be opened from the outside, hiding behind it a single-person armored emergency cabin.

If the pilot who ejected himself from the aircraft is uninjured, Russians can send attack helicopters to retrieve him, instead of relying on transport or assault helicopters—which are larger and more vulnerable to air defense fire.

Although "Apache" helicopters are also capable of transporting personnel, they do so externally; these individuals do not appear as ordinary passengers, but as an integral part of the aircraft's armor.