Russian Armed Forces Receive First Two Advanced Mi-28NM Attack Helicopters

The first two serial attack helicopters of the upgraded Mi-28NM project have been handed over to the Russian Armed Forces.

"As part of the contract for serial delivery, the first two advanced Mi-28NM helicopters were recently handed over to the army aviation, the corresponding acceptance certificates were signed," the source said.

Under the current defense order Russian Helicopters will provide to the Russian Army 98 helicopters by 2027.

An upgraded version of the Mi-28N under development since 2009. The helicopter has redesigned nose hull due to removal of its nose antenna, new H025 radar station for all-round visibility, more powerful VK-2500P engines with FADEC instead of the previous Klimov TV3-117VMA engines and improved rotor blades to increase its maximum speed by 13% and cruise speed by 10%. Besides that, it has an upgraded fire-control system and new "Izdeliye 296" onboard radio-electronic data processing system. It will be equipped to carry the 9M123 Khrizantema-V and 9M127-1 Ataka-VM anti-tank missiles. It is also planned to be equipped with the new "Izdeliye 305" or LMUR (Light Multi-role Unified Missile) multi purpose missile, designed for use against air and ground targets, and fitted with inertial guidance in initial flight, with mid-course updates by an operator before the target is acquired by the missile's own seeker, giving a range of 25 km (16 mi). The Mi-28NM made its maiden flight in October 2016 and the state trials of the upgraded VK-2500P engines were completed in October 2020.