MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia's upgraded version of the Mi-28N combat helicopter will be armed with extended range guided anti-tank missiles, the general designer of the Machine-Building Design Bureau, Valery Kashin, has told TASS.

"The design bureau is in the process of upgrading the Ataka and Khrizantema missiles, capable of identifying, tracking and eliminating targets at a longer distance, especially for the Mi-28NM helicopter," Kashin said.

When upgraded, the helicopter will acquire the capability to use the missiles round the clock and in any weather, including poor visibility.

"The onboard missile control system is being upgraded, too, to suit the parameters of the new missile," Kashin said.

A defense industry source has told TASS that the Ataka missile’s range will be increased from six kilometers to eight, but said nothing about the parameters of a new Khrizantema missile.

Work on a new Night Hunter model began in 2009. The experimental sample made its maiden flight in early October. The manufacturer - Helicopters of Russia - will deliver the first batch of helicopters in 2018.

The new configuration of the Mi-28N helicopter will have a fundamentally new radar, 360-degree panoramic vision and other equipment boasting enhanced capabilities to use high accuracy weapons.