MOSCOW, June 22. /TASS/. At present, Russia is fulfilling the contract to deliver Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopters to Uganda, a military-diplomatic source has told TASS.

"The contract is being implemented. The first batch of Mi-28NE has already been delivered," he said. "Deliveries of all aircraft under the contract are due in early 2023."

Rosoboronexport, Russia’s sole state intermediary agency for exports of defense-related and dual use products, did not comment on the information, provided by the source.

In turn, the menadefense.net portal has reported, citing the armed forces of Uganda, that three helicopters have already been delivered to the country as the first batch. Therefore, Uganda became the third country to purchase Russian Night Hunters. The country bought Russian defense products before, including Mi-24 helicopters.

The Mi-28NE is designated to destroy aerial targets, tanks and armor and can also be employed for reconnaissance and patrols. Its armament includes a flexible 30mm gun, three types of anti-tank missiles with a range of 6 km and 10 km, air-to-air missiles, two types of rockets and air bombs weighing up to 500 kg. The gunship’s rotor blades can withstand strikes by 30mm shells. The attack helicopter operates two increased-capacity 2,400 hp engines, features enhanced survivability and the armored glass cockpit. The combat helicopter is capable of effectively accomplishing assigned tasks in hot climates with its new screen-exhaust and dust protection technology.

The rotorcraft, flying with maximum speed of 300 kmph and maximum takeoff weight of 12,100 kg, requires a crew of two.