The Russian military will receive two Mi-28NMs this year.
In response to a question from Tass Russian News Agency about the Mi-28NM, a new variant of the attack helicopter, Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Boginsky stated, “Now a pre-production batch is underway and the contract is due to be completed in November this year. Correspondingly, we are complying with the schedule.
“So far, two helicopters are stipulated in the contract,” he said.
Development of the Mi-28NM began nearly a decade ago. The helicopter was first spotted in June 2016 at the Moscow Helicopter Plant. Several months later, in October, it made its first flight. State testing began in May 2017, following the completion of factory testing, and lasted until February 2018.
In 2017, the Russian government signed a contract for two preproduction helicopters to be supplied in late 2018.
The Mi-28NM comes with new radar, locally-designed engines, and dual controls. Furthermore, based on the experience of Russian helicopters in Syria, the Russian defense industry is seeking to make the Mi-28NM more durable. The helicopter blades will be made of composite material, which will improve service life and survivability in combat situations.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
