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Fight against Islamic state

Russia's Mi-28N helicopter's combat debut in Syria

According to a source, the helicopter`s jamming system easily suppressed the ageing man-portable air defense systems, namely Soviet Strela-2 and Igla-1 and Chinese Hong Ying-5

© Alexander Ryumin/TASS

MOSCOW, 4 April. /TASS-DEFENSE/. Russian Mi-28N ('Havoc-B') attack helicopter has made its combat debut in Syria, according to the footage provided by Russia`s Ministry of Defense (MoD).

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The footage shows the usage of at least one Mi-28N helicopter in fighting against the Islamic State terrorists near the city of Palmyra (Homs province). The rotor-wing aircraft used both types of 'Ataka' (AT-9 Spiral 2) guided missiles, namely, 9M120 with anti-tank shaped-charge warhead and anti-personnel 9M120F with combined high-explosive/aerosol-explosive warhead. Mi-28N eliminated hostile infantry fighting vehicle and destroyed a small building with terrorists inside. The helicopter`s gunner was guiding the missiles using radio command guidance system. The footage also shows image from the helicopter`s TV camera.

The helicopter`s jamming system easily suppressed the ageing man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), namely Soviet Strela-2 and Igla-1 and Chinese Hong Ying-5

According to several reports, Mi-28N has fully revealed its anti-terroristic potential in fighting outside Palmyra. The airframe and rotor-blades were not damaged by hostile anti-aircraft guns (primarily outdated, but widespread ZU-23-2), as the helicopter eliminated them, staying at the safe distance (3-4.5 km). A source in Russian defense industry mentioned the effectiveness of Mi-28N`s radioelectronic protection, without specifying the type and designation of the appropriate systems installed. "[In Syria], the helicopter`s jamming system easily suppressed the ageing man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), namely Soviet Strela-2 [SA-7 'Grail'] and Igla-1 [SA-16 Gimlet] and Chinese Hong Ying-5 [HN-5]," the source emphasized.

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'Russia's attack helicopters Mi-28N Night Hunter used against militants in Palmyra'

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