The APU-L launcher sold by Russia to Iran is specially designed for the Russian-made Mi-28 attack helicopter, and the Iranian military has confirmed that it has obtained this type of helicopter.
[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Comprehensive Report] There are new developments in military cooperation between Russia and Iran! The Financial Times disclosed on the 5th that according to Russian defense industry production documents, Moscow is suspected of reaching an agreement with Tehran to provide 90 APU-L helicopter missile launchers, which can carry the LMUR precision-guided missiles widely used by the Russian army in the Ukrainian and Russian battlefields. If successfully integrated into Iranian Mi-28 attack helicopters in the future, it will strengthen its precision strike capabilities on the ground. However, it has not yet been confirmed that the relevant equipment has been delivered.
The military news website "Army Recognition" reported that according to information obtained by the "Financial Times", Russia's defense production schedule from 2024 to 2025 lists an order to export 90 APU-L launchers to a customer code-named "K-10". It is said that the code name is the code used by Rosoboronexport to identify Iran. The documents were provided by Dallas Analytics, a Ukrainian civilian intelligence organization, and contain records of communications between Russian missile manufacturers requesting accelerated delivery of components.
The APU-L launcher is mainly used by Mi-28 attack helicopters, each of which can carry two LMUR missiles; the other APU-305 can only carry one, but there is currently no evidence that Iran has also purchased the latter. It is worth noting that 90 launchers does not mean that Iran will obtain 90 helicopters. The actual number and missile procurement scale are still unknown.
LMUR, also known as "Product 305", will enter service with the Russian army in 2022. It has the ability to attack fixed and moving ground targets, and can be guided by operators during flight. According to relevant information, the missile has a speed of about 230 meters per second and can fly 14 kilometers in about one minute, allowing helicopters to launch precise attacks from a certain distance.
Iran has previously confirmed the introduction of Russian-made Mi-28 attack helicopters. Photos released in January 2026 also showed that related models have appeared at an aviation facility in Tehran. If equipped with LMUR missiles in the future, it will help expand the Iranian helicopter force's standoff strike options and improve the tactical flexibility of attacking armored vehicles and other ground targets.
However, the report analyzed that even if the LMUR has a certain range, it still cannot ensure the survivability of the Mi-28 in a modern air defense environment. Facing long-range anti-aircraft missiles, advanced fighters and electronic combat systems, helicopters may still be attacked when approaching targets, launching weapons and evacuating.
In addition, the actual combat effectiveness of LMUR also depends on airborne system integration, communication links, target identification, pilot training and logistics support. It is currently impossible to confirm whether Russia will deliver the missiles simultaneously and whether Iran has established complete combat capabilities.
Analysts pointed out that this potential arms sale highlights the continued development of Russian-Iranian military and technical cooperation. However, until the delivery and integration situation is not clear, it is still not enough to conclude that the combat capabilities of Iran's attack helicopters have been significantly improved. It is even more difficult to change the balance of regional air power with this weapon alone.
