Iran is a relatively small nation with a powerful military, known for successful use of missiles and their enhanced aerial technology in the form of drones. Their primary threats are Saudi Arabia and Israel, though Iran is prepared to defend against much more distant lands. This nation’s military force is made up of two components: the Artesh, or basic military, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. Together, these groups form the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces.
As with many powerful global militaries, Iran could not be effective without advanced aerial vehicles and air defense. In addition to several high-tech jets, a large portion of Iran’s fleet is made up of various types of helicopters. These include the Iran-produced Shahed-278, in addition to some Russian models, such as Mi-24 attack helicopters. This impressive arsenal of helicopters is used for an assortment of tasks, including reconnaissance, rescue, and support of ground troops.
To identify all of the helicopters in active service in the Iranian military, 24/7 Wall St. referenced the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. We ranked helicopters by the number of units in active service. Supplemental data was added regarding the type of aircraft, armament, and military branch.
Why Are We Covering This?
Iran’s military capabilities play a significant role in Middle Eastern politics. Understanding the eight helicopters used by Iran’s military show how Iran projects power regionally and globally. Plus, seeing where Iran is investing its military resources moving forward gives insight into its potential military strategy.
Here is a look at every helicopter in Iran’s military:
8. Bell 206 (JetRanger / Long Ranger)
- Type: Light utility helicopter
- Year introduced: 1967
- Active in Military: 6
- Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Islamic Republic of Iran Army
7. Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion
- Type: Heavy-lift transport helicopter
- Year introduced: 1966
- Active in Military: 6
- Armament: 12.7mm machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
6. Sikorsky S-61 (SH-3 Sea King)
- Type: Ship-based anti-submarine warfare helicopter
- Year introduced: 1961
- Active in Military: 8
- Armament: Mark 44/46 torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, naval depth charges, 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
5. Bell 212
- Type: Medium-lift utility helicopter
- Year introduced: 1968
- Active in Military: 10
- Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
4. Bell AH-1J SeaCobra
- Type: Dedicated two-seat attack helicopter
- Year introduced: 1970
- Active in Military: 13
- Armament: 20mm M197 triple-barrel gatling gun, Mk 40 Hydra rocket pods, Zuni rocket pods, BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles, Sidewinder missiles
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Army
3. Mil Mi-171 Hip
- Type: Medium-lift gunship helicopter
- Year introduced: 1981
- Active in Military: 22
- Armament: Shturm-V missiles, rocket pods, cannon pods, 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
2. Bell 214
- Type: Medium-lift utility helicopter
- Year introduced: 1972
- Active in Military: 24
- Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Army
1. Boeing CH-47 Chinook
- Type: Medium-lift trandem-rotor transport helicopter
- Year introduced: 1962
- Active in Military: 40
- Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
- Military branch: Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
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