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).

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.

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 The airframe and rotor-blades were not damaged by hostile anti-aircraft guns (primarily outdated, but widespread ZU-23-2), as the helicopter eliminated them, staying at the safe distance (3-4.5 km).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.

Hence, Mi-28N seems to be an effective counter-terroristic weapon, which can use 9M120F anti-personnel guided missiles, 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon with high-explosive shells and S-8OFP unguided rockets with HE warhead. It has sufficient protection against ballistic and missile threats. In Syria Mi-28N has proven its ability to eliminate even small soft-skin targets, staying at the safe distances. The helicopter may be required by nations fighting against terrorist, which are willing to replace the obsolete platforms (for instance, Mi-24Vs and early variants of AH-1 Cobra) by new attack platforms. Several such states, namely Algeria and Iraq have already ordered 42 and 19 Mi-28NEs, respectively.

The article was published on the 'Russia’s Defense Technologies' newswire.

To subscribe to 'Russia’s Defense Technologies', connect the Department of Sales:

tel.: +7 (499) 791-03-97, e-mail: rusmarket@tass.ru, web: tass-online.ru/eng