Iran unveiled an upgraded version of its
Toofan (“Storm”) attack helicopter, named Toofan 2, in a ceremony on Wednesday.
The Toofan helicopters are based on the Bell AH-1J Sea
Cobra. The first ten of the Toofans went into service in May 2010.
Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad
Vahidi said that Toufan 2 employs “latest indigenous achievements in electronics, optics,
laser and armament capabilities.” (IRNA, 3 January)
Gen. Vahidi added that the aircraft will “dramatically boost the combat power of the
Iranian armed forces once its mass production begins.” Vahidi gave no exact
date when the new chopper will enter the service.
The aircraft is built by the Iranian Aviation Industries Organization
(IAIO).
Photo credit: Toofan helicopter (IRNA)
