Russia's Mil Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter features a small rear-fuselage compartment designed to transport two or three passengers, including downed pilots, according to recent footage from the Ukrainian conflict zone. This previously little-known capability emerged as the Mi-28 became a focal point amid reports of its delivery to Iran. The compartment's cramped design, visible in state-television footage, contrasts with the helicopter's primary role as a tank-killer, offering a limited rescue option in high-risk combat scenarios.

Russia has reportedly lost 19 Mi-28s since the Ukraine invasion began, raising questions about the compartment's operational use and its potential impact on crew survivability. The feature represents a tactical adaptation for personnel recovery, though it remains untested in active combat rescue missions. Analysts suggest this design choice reflects Russia's evolving battlefield requirements, balancing offensive firepower with limited survival capabilities.

The compartment's existence underscores the Mi-28's dual-purpose role, though its practical effectiveness in retrieving downed pilots remains uncertain amid ongoing losses. 19 Mi-28s lost since the conflict started highlights the helicopter's vulnerability despite advanced features.