Iran to receive first of 20 Russian rescue helicopters by March 2027
Iran has moved forward with a major overhaul of its aerial rescue fleet after the Iranian Red Crescent Society signed an agreement in Moscow on Wednesday to purchase 20 helicopters from Russia, with the first four aircraft scheduled for delivery before March 2027, according to Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) Chief Pirhossein Kolivand.
Kolivand and Nikolay Kolesov, director general of Russian Helicopters, signed the memorandum at the Russian state-owned company's headquarters as Tehran presses ahead with efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities across the country, IRNA reported.
"Today we signed an agreement for the direct purchase of 20 helicopters from Russia to reinforce Iran's logistics network and air rescue fleet," Kolivand said.
He described the deal as an unprecedented step in the history of the Red Crescent Society, adding that a finalized contract for the first four helicopters would allow their delivery before the Iranian New Year of 1406, which begins in March 2027.
The acquisition advances a broader Iran-Russia cooperation plan first outlined in early 2025. Russian and international reports previously estimated the overall program at around $500 million, including aircraft procurement, spare parts, pilot and technician training, and support services.
Kolivand said the helicopters would be equipped with modern technology and night-vision systems, enabling round-the-clock operations. The aircraft will also support medical evacuation missions, emergency relief efforts, and firefighting operations.
The new fleet is expected to significantly expand Iran's ability to respond to natural disasters, wildfires, and emergencies in mountainous and remote regions, marking one of the largest upgrades to the country's airborne rescue capabilities in recent years.
Iran's Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali and Parliament budget committee chairman Gholamreza Tajgardoon attended the signing ceremony.