Iraq has taken delivery of a new batch of Mil Mi-28NE ‘Havoc’ (Night Hunter) attack helicopters, as well as additional Mil Mi-35M ‘Hind’ assault helicopters, as stated by the Ministry of Defense.

The helicopters arrived in-country aboard Antonov An-124 ‘Condor’ transport aircraft.

The Iraqi Army Aviation is known to have already lost at least one Bell 407 and two Mi-35M helicopters to ground fire, demonstrating the hazards of the environment. However, along with the US Army’s Apaches reportedly operating in Iraq, the Mi-28NEs should fare better than most helicopter types in that they are dedicated attack platforms, equipped with redundant systems, as well as the latest defensive aids and ballistic armour designed to soak up most of what the enemy can throw at it.