Internal Russian defense manufacturing documents reviewed by the Financial Times (FT) and supplied by Ukrainian private intelligence firm Dallas Analytics confirm a 2024–2025 contract agreement between state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and Iran for 90 helicopter-mounted APU-L missile launchers.
The production schedule identifies Iran under Rosoboronexport’s designated country code “K-10”. In a May 2024 letter from missile manufacturer Vympel to the Engineering Design Bureau (KBM), component supply delays were cited as risking nine contracts, including a 90-unit APU-L order for K-10 (Iran) and a 192-unit APU-305 order for China. The APU-L launcher is a dual-rail hardpoint specifically designed to carry two Kh-39 LMUR (Light Multipurpose Guided Missile / Izdeliye 305) standoff precision missiles on Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters. The agreement aligns with Iran’s acquisition of Mi-28 attack helicopters from Russia.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: ROSOBORONEXPORT APU-L & KH-39 LMUR (IZDELIYE 305) INTEGRATION
Export Order Structure, Customer Codes & Production Schedules
⚡ Primary Exporter & System Manufacturer: JSC Rosoboronexport (State Exporter) / Vympel Design Bureau & KBM (Design & Assembly)
⚡ Destination Country Identifier: Customer “K-10” (Internal Rosoboronexport designation for the Islamic Republic of Iran)
⚡ Contracted Hardware Quantity:
• Customer K-10 (Iran): 90× APU-L dual-rail missile launchers (180 total LMUR missile carriage capacity)
• China: 192× APU-305 single-rail missile launchers
⚡ Delivery Framework Window: Scheduled production across 2024–2025 (final delivery verification pending)
⚡ Host Platform Integration: Optimized for Mi-28NE / Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” attack helicopters, expanding Iranian Army Aviation rotary-wing precision-strike capabilities 
APU-L Hardpoint Kinematics & LMUR (Izdeliye 305) Missile Profile
💥 Launcher Mechanics (APU-L): Twin-rail pneumatically actuated ejection launcher (Weight: ~45 kg empty); handles two Izdeliye 305 missiles per wing pylon
💥 Missile Nomenclature & Mass: Kh-39 LMUR / Izdeliye 305 | Gross Launch Mass: 105 kg | High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG) Warhead: 25 kg
💥 Powerplant & Velocity: Single-stage solid-propellant rocket motor generating cruise speeds up to 230 m/s (Mach 0.67)
💥 Operational Engagement Radius: Standoff strike envelope of 14.5 km to 15 km (9 nmi), operating at low cruise altitudes (100–600 meters AGL) to mask behind terrain
💥 Guidance & Terminal Data Link Architecture: Dual-mode navigation; mid-course GLONASS/INS paired with real-time encrypted bi-directional RF datalink transmitting optical/thermal seeker video to the cockpit, allowing Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) target updates
TIMES OF DEFENCE ASSESSMENT
The planned export of 90 APU-L missile launchers to Iran illustrates key aspects of current Russian-Iranian defense cooperation:
1. **Expanding Iranian Rotary-Wing Standoff Capabilities**: Iranian Army Aviation has historically relied on legacy TOW derivative anti-tank guided missiles (e.g., Toophan) with maximum ranges of 3.7 km to 5 km. Equipping newly acquired Mi-28 helicopters with APU-L launchers and LMUR missiles extends their operational strike radius to 14.5 km, enabling Iranian crews to destroy armored targets and radar sites while remaining outside the range of short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems.
2. **Deepening Reciprocal Arms-Transfer Infrastructure**: Russia’s commitment to supplying specialized precision strike equipment to Iran—despite domestic demands from the conflict in Ukraine—reflects an evolving defense relationship. In exchange for Iranian Shahed loitering munitions, ballistic missiles, and drone components, Moscow is providing advanced aviation hardware, electronic warfare assets, and guided missile integration systems.
3. **Operational Validation of LMUR Technology**: Field experience with the Kh-39 LMUR / Izdeliye 305 in Ukraine has demonstrated the effectiveness of low-altitude, operator-guided standoff missiles against fortified structures and maneuvering armor. Transferring this combat-tested technology to Iran provides a precision capability that alters tactical dynamics across Middle Eastern theaters.
