Airspace monitoring systems recorded a series of departures by Russian military transport aviation. Over the past three days, the Flightradar24 resource tracked three flights of Il-76TD aircraft operating on the route Mineralnye Vody — the Iranian city of Karaj.
Experts draw attention to the fact that earlier, under a similar logistics scheme, Mi-28NE attack helicopters were delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, it is assumed that the current flights may be dedicated to transporting new batches of combat vehicles intended for the Iranian armed forces.
The choice of transport means is determined by its characteristics. The Il-76 is a heavy ramp aircraft, structurally adapted for transporting oversized cargo. The aircraft is equipped with specialized loading equipment, including two onboard winches and two cranes. The maximum payload of the Il-76TD modification reaches 46 tonnes.
Information about the purpose of the cargo has not been officially disclosed; however, comparing data on past deliveries with the current aviation activity makes it possible to conclude that military-technical cooperation is continuing.
Read more materials on the topic:
- A Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft delivered secret cargo to Cuba
- An Il-76 of Russia's EMERCOM made an emergency landing due to metal shavings in the engine
- An Il-76 transport aircraft evacuated a Mi-8 helicopter from a military base in Syria
