A new Iranian attack helicopter has been seen in public for the very first time.
Apparently closely related to the Bell A-1H Cobra helicopter gunship series, the IAIO (Iranian Aviation Industries Organization) Toufan II is reportedly already in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and the Revolutionary Guards.
Also known as the ‘Toophan’ or the ‘Toofan’, this helicopter is said to feature hi-tech rotary technology on a par with similar Western-origin designs. Specifically, according to Defence Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the Toufan II boasts a high-precision targeting ability and advanced, Iranian-designed electronics, optics and weapons systems.
Toufan II Helicopter
The Toufan II helicopter’s debut occurred during the closing stages of the Veleyat 91 naval exercise, which started on 28 December 2012 and finished on 2 January 2013. A number of Iranian Navy technologies participated in this exercise, including the Qader cruise missile and the Raad air defence system.
Veleyat 91 was staged close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key sea route for oil transportation firms. Iran has threatened, more than once, to deny other nations access through the Strait if it’s threatened in a military sense.
In related news, yesterday, Iran confessed to having captured more US drones than has been claimed previously. Adding to a list of UAVs gotten hold of in past months, it’s also now obtained two RQ-11 Raven drones, in separate captures staged around 12 months apart. On top of that, it’s also retrieved much of the sensitive military data they held.
New Iranian Attack Helicopter
Referring to the contribution that the new Iranian attack helicopter is expected to make to the country’s military capability, Vahidi described it as “a symbol of creativity and self-sufficiency in the face of the enemies’ sanctions.”
Separately, another Iranian military official hailed the accomplishments of those involved in Veleyat 91, also dubbed ‘Guardianship 91′. “In the drills, the navy forces practised swift reactions to unexpected incidents, exercised prompt stretch of the commandoes and military units, carried out rapid transfer of the forces by the helicopters, launched missiles with high precision and destructive powers, and implemented full utilization of communication systems and integrated commandment”, said Admiral Amir Rastegari.
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