Reports: Iraq Takes New Batch of Mi-28NEs

Iraq’s military has taken delivery of a new batch of Mil Mi-28NE under a $ 4-billion-plus agreement signed in 2012 to support counter-insurgency operations in the country, according to published reports citing a statement by the Iraqi defense ministry.

The deliveries were described variously as the last of 40 of the all-weather, day-night, tandem-seat attack helicopter or the latest batch in an order for 43 or 48. The Russian arms export agency Rosboronexport delivered the aircraft to the Iraqi Army Aviation Command.

Known as the Night Hunter and by the NATO code word Havoc, the Mi-28NE reportedly was used recently by the Iraqi army to support attacks on Islamic State forces in the city of Fallujah.

The news outlet MenaDefense.net this week reported that Algeria had taken delivery of two more Mi-28NEs under an order for 42.

In March, Russia used the aircraft in operations against Islamic State forces to liberate the Syrian city of Palmyra.

With a takeoff weight of 24,030 lb (10,900 kg) and a cruise speed of 146 kt, the Mi-28NE is designed to carry a 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannon, 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles, Igla-V air-to-air missiles and S-8/S-13 unguided rockets. It is powered by two 2,200-shp Klimov VK-2500-02 engines.