Iran signs deal to purchase 20 helicopters from Russia for Red Crescent relief operations
Iran’s Red Crescent Society has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Russian state-owned helicopter company for the purchase of 20 helicopters to enhance the country’s aerial relief and logistics capabilities, the head of the Iranian relief organisation announced on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed in Moscow between Pirhossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, and Nikolai Kolesov, director general of Russian Helicopters, a state-owned joint stock company.
Speaking to IRNA after the signing ceremony, Kolivand described the deal as an “unprecedented” move in the history of the Iranian Red Crescent.
“Today we signed a memorandum of understanding for the direct purchase of 20 helicopters from Russia with the aim of strengthening the logistics and aerial relief fleet of our country,” he said.
Kolivand noted that a final contract for four of the helicopters has already been concluded, with delivery expected before the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) in March 2027.
“These helicopters are equipped with modern technology and night vision systems, enabling night flights,” he said, adding that the aircraft will also be outfitted with firefighting equipment and medical and emergency relief capabilities.
The helicopter purchase is part of Tehran’s broader effort to bolster its domestic emergency preparedness and relief capacity, particularly in remote and disaster‑prone areas.
Russia has been a key partner for Iran in various sectors, including energy, defense and transportation, as both countries have sought to deepen bilateral ties amid Western sanctions.
The deal comes as Iran continues to rebuild its infrastructure and emergency response capabilities following a US‑Israeli war of aggression that began on February 28, 2026.
The war, which lasted around 40 days, caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, roads and relief facilities.
Iran has since signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the war, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
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