The Algerian Air Force has increased its order of Russian-made Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” attack helicopters from the eight initially reported in January to 42.

Russian media outlets RIA-Novosti and TASS said Algeria and Iraq have become the first international customers of the Mi-28NE helicopter with confirmed orders of 42 and 19 respectively while more countries are negotiating for similar acquisitions.

The Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” is a modern attack helicopter designed to carry out search and destroy operations against tanks, armoured and un-armoured vehicles, and enemy personnel in combat, as well as low-speed airborne targets. It can operate night and day, and in adverse weather conditions.

The Mi-28N “Night Hunter” has been officially accepted into service with the Russian Ministry of Defence. The “Night Hunter” meets the latest international standards for combat attack helicopters, and Mi-28NE is its export version.

The Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” is designed for the following missions:

• providing fire support for forward ground forces;
• acting as part of the anti-tank reserve;
• accompanying and supporting tactical airborne assault and airborne assault force units;
• combating enemy tactical airborne assault forces;
• combating low-speed, low-altitude airborne targets.

The main targets for the Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” are:

• tanks, self-propelled artillery, and military anti-air defence units;
• armoured infantry vehicles, APCs, and vehicles;
• individual weapons (launchers), field and nuclear artillery batteries;
• light military equipment (individual targets);
• enemy personnel;
• helicopters and low-altitude, low-speed airborne planes.

On-board equipment supports:

• flight and navigation in favourable and adverse weather conditions at low and extremely low altitudes with overflight and automated obstacle warning systems;
• firepower use day and night in favourable and adverse weather conditions, when the targets are identifiable visually and by using technical means;
• effective communications equipment.

Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” helicopters boast advanced flight capabilities, and can execute aerobatic manoeuvres. The renowned Berkuty (Golden Eagles) flight display team have operated the new Mi-28N “Night Hunter” since 2012.

Russian Helicopters is engaged in ongoing work to advance and improve the flight capabilities of the Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” helicopter. A special Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” helicopter model was developed for pilot training, boasting a dual control system for use training Mi-28NE pilots while retaining the helicopter’s full attack capabilities.