Russia Delivering Mi-28NE Helicopters to Uganda

Russia is poised to deliver Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopters to Uganda.

"The contract is being implemented. The first batch of Mi-28NE has already been delivered,” a military-diplomatic source told government-owned TASS. "Deliveries of all aircraft under the contract are due in early 2023,” the source added.

Rosoboronexport, Russia’s sole state intermediary agency for exports of defense-related and dual use products, did not comment on the information, provided by the source.

Uganda became the third country to purchase Russian Night Hunters, after receiving three helicopters constituting the first batch, reported menadefense.net.

The Mi-28NE is designated to destroy aerial targets, tanks and armor and can also be employed for reconnaissance and patrols. The rotorcraft, flying with maximum speed of 300 kmph and maximum takeoff weight of 12,100 kg, requires a crew of two. Its armament includes a flexible 30mm gun, three types of anti-tank missiles with a range of 6 km and 10 km, air-to-air missiles, two types of rockets and air bombs weighing up to 500 kg. The gunship’s rotor blades can withstand strikes by 30mm shells. The attack helicopter operates two increased-capacity 2,400 hp engines, features enhanced survivability and the armored glass cockpit. The combat helicopter is capable of effectively accomplishing assigned tasks in hot climates with its new screen-exhaust and dust protection technology.