Iran Buys 20 Russian Helicopters After U.S. Peace Deal

BreakingBusinessBreaking NewsIran Buys 20 Russian Helicopters After U.S. Peace DealByZachary Folk,Forbes Staff. I cover breaking news.Follow AuthorJun 17, 2026, 09:42am EDTToplineJust days after announcing a peace deal with the United States, Iranian officials visited Moscow to sign a deal to purchase 20 Russian helicopters for its “logistics and aerial rescue fleet,” Iranian state news wires announced on Wednesday, as the country already begins pursuing business deals with Russia and rebuilding its fleet of aircraft.The helicopters will be used by Iran’s Red Crescent Society for its “logistics and aerial rescue fleet,” Iranian state news agencies claimed.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe president of Iran’s Red Crescent Society signed the agreement in Moscow on Wednesday alongside the CEO of Russian Helicopters, Iran’s WANA news wire reported, and the first four aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by March 2027.Although the helicopters are reportedly for the Red Crescent Society’s fleet, President Donald Trump has frequently boasted about destroying Iran’s air force during the initial strikes against the country that began on Feb. 28.The U.S. and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding for the peace deal on Sunday, with a formal signing in Switzerland scheduled for Friday—but the exact terms laid out have not been released to the public as of Wednesday morning.This is a breaking story and will be updated.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video