According to information published by Tasnim News on February 15, 2023, Iran's state TV has broadcast a documentary revealing that the IRGC Navy has equipped its Mil Mi-17 helicopters for naval minelaying operations, allowing them to take action against enemy submarines.
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Iranian Navy's Mil Mi-17 helicopter. (Picture source: Weibo)
The video shows the helicopters dropping domestically-developed "Maham-II" naval mines off the coasts of Iran. These mines contain 350 kg of explosives and are equipped with sonic and magnetic sensors, enabling them to detect submarines at a depth of 10 to 50 meters in the sea. The Maham-II mines can destroy vessels and submarines weighing up to 250 tons and cruising at a speed of 4 to 15 knots.
The IRGC Navy's helicopters are also equipped with a range of other weapons systems, including the Noor anti-vessel cruise missile with a range of 120 kilometers, the Qader air-based missile with a range of 200 kilometers, and the S-5 57mm caliber rocket launchers. These weapons systems provide the IRGC Navy with increased capabilities for conducting anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations.
Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17, also known by its NATO reporting name "Hip", is a family of Soviet-designed Russian military helicopters that was first introduced in 1975 as the Mi-8M. As of 2021, the helicopter is still in production at two factories, located in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. In Russian service, it is known as the Mi-8M series.
The Mil Mi-17 is primarily used as a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, but it also has an armed gunship version. Over the years, the helicopter has been deployed by various militaries and has been used in a wide range of operations, including troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.
