Mil Mi-28

Mil Mi-28

Company type	Military attack helicopter
Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Predecessor	Mil Mi-24
Founded	1980
Founder	Marat Tishchenko (design efforts commenced under his leadership)
Fate	In production and development
Headquarters	Rostov-on-Don , Soviet Union / Russia
Area served	Military forces worldwide
Key people	Andrey Shibitov (former CEO of Russian Helicopters)
Products	Attack helicopters (Mi-28, Mi-28N, Mi-28NE, Mi-28D, Mi-28NM)
Owner	Russian Helicopters (parent company)
Parent	Russian Helicopters

Overview

The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name "Havoc") is a Soviet-designed military attack helicopter built for all-weather, day and night operations. Featuring a tandem two-seat configuration, it specializes in anti-armor missions. Unlike the Mil Mi-24 gunship, the Mi-28 is dedicated solely to attack roles and lacks any secondary troop transport function. Its armament includes a single cannon mounted in a turret beneath the nose, complemented by external weaponry attached to pylons under short wings.

Origins

The inception of a distinctive attack helicopter with troop transport capability began in 1972, following the completion of the Mil Mi-24. This new design featured a reduced passenger capacity—carrying three soldiers instead of eight—and eliminated the cabin to enhance overall performance and achieve a higher maximum speed. These improvements were crucial for its intended roles, which included engaging tank targets, combating enemy helicopters, and providing cover for helicopter landing operations. Early in the design process, various concepts were explored, such as an unconventional configuration featuring two main rotors mounted on wingtip engines arranged perpendicularly, as well as a layout reminiscent of the late 1960s American Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne that incorporated a pusher propeller on the tail. By 1977, a preliminary design was selected that adopted a conventional single-rotor arrangement. This design diverged significantly from the Mi-24, including smaller, flat-surfaced canopies.

Design efforts for the Mi-28 commenced under Marat Tishchenko's leadership in 1980. By 1981, both a design and mock-up received approval. The initial prototype (number 012) conducted its maiden flight on 10 November 1982, followed by the second prototype (number 022) completed in 1983. The Mi-28 passed the first phase of state trials in 1984; however, in October of that year, the Soviet Air Force selected the more advanced Kamov Ka-50 as its new anti-tank helicopter. Despite this decision, a decree from the Communist Party Central Committee and Council of Ministers (No. 1420-355) mandated continued development of the Mi-28 to satisfy foreign demand for Soviet attack helicopters. Production at Rosvertol in Rostov-on-Don was authorized in December 1987.

An early Mi-24 production model was equipped with an air data boom as part of initial testing for technologies intended for the Mi-28. Subsequently, several Mi-24D variants were modified with the Mi-28’s radome mount to evaluate the sighting-flight-navigational system, while others featured redesigned fuselages resembling the upcoming Mi-28 but retained rounded cockpits.

The first Mi-28A prototype (number 032), powered by upgraded engines and featuring an "X"-shaped tail rotor with four blades angled at 35° and 145°, replaced the previous three-blade version and flew for the first time in January 1988. This model made its public debut at the Paris Air Show in June 1989. The second Mi-28A (number 042) was finalized in 1991. However, the program was discontinued in 1993 due to its inability to compete effectively with the Ka-50, particularly lacking all-weather operational capability.

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A Mil Mi-28N on display

Introduced in 1995, the Mi-28N—with "N" denoting "night"—had its prototype (number 014) take flight on 14 November 1996. A standout feature is a radar housed within a round dome positioned above the main rotor, akin to that found on the American AH-64D Apache Longbow. Enhancements also included improved night vision and an aiming system mounted beneath the nose, comprising a TV camera and FLIR. Development faced interruptions due to funding shortages. A second prototype with an upgraded rotor system was revealed at Rosvertol in March 2004.

The first production model of the Mi-28N was delivered to the Army on 5 June 2006. By 2015, plans were set to acquire 67 Mi-28Ns as part of fully replacing the Mi-24 fleet. Between 2012 and 2014, Rostvertol supplied approximately 140 units combining Mi-28N and Mi-35M helicopters to both domestic and international clients; an additional 28 helicopters were delivered in 2015.

Mil developed an export version called Mi-28NE, alongside a simplified day variant named Mi-28D, which is based on the Mi-28N but lacks radar and FLIR systems.

Since 2008, development has been underway for a fifth-generation variant known as Mi-28NM. According to Andrey Shibitov, then CEO of Russian Helicopters, this modernized helicopter aims to incorporate features such as reduced radar detectability (Stealth technology), extended operational range, advanced weapons control systems, some fighter jet-like capabilities, and speeds reaching up to 600 km/h.

In 2016, reports emerged from Russian media about a new advanced helmet system being developed for the Mi-28N. This system is designed to project targeting information across all fields of view during engagements.

Design

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A Russian Air Force Mi-28

The Mi-28 represents a modern generation of attack helicopters, designed to complement the Mi-24 Hind and Ka-50 Hokum in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat roles. Its main rotor features five blades positioned above the midsection of the fuselage. Located at the rear of the mid-fuselage are short, broad, tapered wings equipped for weapon carriage. Two turboshaft engines are housed in pods atop the fuselage, each with exhausts directed downward. The helicopter’s slender fuselage narrows toward both the tail boom and nose. It incorporates tandem cockpits arranged in a stepped configuration, a belly-mounted cannon, and fixed tricycle tail-wheel landing gear. Thanks to energy-absorbing landing gear and seats, the crew is capable of surviving vertical impacts up to 12 m/s. The cabin is fully armored, including the windshield, which offers protection against 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds as well as fragments from 20 mm shells.

The helicopter utilizes a traditional pod-and-boom layout with a tail rotor assembly. Its main rotor hub incorporates elastomeric bearings, and the rotor blades are constructed from composite materials. The tail rotor adopts a biplane design with blades independently controlled in an X-shaped pattern featuring angles of 35° and 145°. On the Mi-28N night attack model, an innovative all-plastic rotor blade design is implemented, capable of withstanding hits from 30 mm projectiles.

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Mi-28N equipped with radar station and updated nose sensors

The helicopter is outfitted with two heavily armored cockpits; their windshields can resist bullets ranging from 12.7 to 14.5 mm caliber. It also includes advanced electronics housed in the nose and a narrow-X tail rotor designed for reduced acoustic signature. Propulsion is provided by two Isotov TV-3-117VM turboshaft engines, each delivering 2,200 hp.

Although not primarily intended for transport duties, the Mi-28 contains a small compartment capable of accommodating three passengers, mainly intended for rescuing downed aircrew.

The Mi-28N variant incorporates a helmet-mounted display system for the pilot, who designates targets for the navigator/weapons officer responsible for engaging them with appropriate armaments. Its integrated surveillance and fire control suite includes two optical channels offering wide and narrow fields of view, a narrow-field optical television channel, and a laser rangefinder. This system can rotate 110 degrees in azimuth and adjust elevation between +13 and –40 degrees.

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Mil Mi-28 equipped with night vision nose sensors

The night attack version retains much of the original Mi-28’s structural design but introduces an integrated electronic warfare system. Additional upgrades consist of a new main gearbox capable of transmitting greater power to the rotors, high-efficiency blades featuring swept tips, and engine fuel injection control enhancements.

The pilot’s helmet-mounted target designator directs targets to the navigator’s surveillance and fire control system, enabling guided weapons or guns to be employed effectively. This targeting system tracks the pilot’s eye movements.

All Russian military rotary-wing aircraft have been updated with new night vision goggles (NVGs). Specifically, Mil Mi-28N helicopters within the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have been equipped with GEO-ONV1 series NVGs.

Armament

The Mi-28 features a chin-mounted NPPU-28 turret armed with a 30 mm automatic Shipunov 2A42 autocannon. This weapon system supports selective fire and incorporates a dual-feed mechanism, enabling a variable cyclic rate of fire ranging from 200 to 800 rounds per minute. Its effective engagement distances span up to 1,500 meters against ground vehicles and extend to 2,500 meters when targeting aerial threats. Ammunition types compatible with the cannon include high explosive incendiary (HEI) and armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) rounds. The 3UBR8 round is reported to penetrate approximately 25 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at a distance of 1,500 meters.

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Mil Mi-28 gun mounting

The primary missile armament on the Mi-28N consists of the supersonic 9M120 Ataka-V missiles, which utilize radio beam-riding guidance technology. The helicopter is equipped with two launch racks, each capable of carrying eight Ataka missiles, allowing for a maximum load of sixteen missiles; however, a typical mission loadout usually comprises eight missiles. Four distinct variants of the Ataka missile are designed for specialized roles. The 9M120 variant with a Tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (THEAT) warhead is intended for engaging tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA), boasting an armor penetration capacity of up to 800 mm of RHA. The 9M120F thermobaric version targets infantry units, fortified structures, bunkers, and caves. For anti-helicopter operations, the 9M120O variant employs an expanding rod warhead. All these missile types have an operational range of approximately 6 kilometers. An enhanced model, the 9M120M, extends this range to 8 kilometers and improves penetration capability to around 900 mm of RHA. Guidance for all variants is provided through SACLOS missile control.

For unguided ordnance, the Mi-28 can mount rockets on four pylons beneath its stub wings. Commonly deployed rockets include the 122 mm (4.8 in) S-13, launched from five-round B-13 rocket pods, and the 80 mm (3.1 in) S-8, fired from twenty-round B8V-20 pods. Typically, these rockets are unguided; standard configurations often carry either forty S-8 rockets or ten S-13 rockets. Both rocket types offer various warhead options ranging from HEAT to thermobaric variants. While the S-8 has a smaller warhead and shorter range compared to the S-13, it compensates by being deployable in larger quantities. Currently, the Russian Aerospace Forces are upgrading their S-8 and S-13 rockets with laser guidance capabilities under the proposed Ugroza ("Menace") program. Rockets modified through Ugroza are designated as S-8Kor and S-13Kor respectively.

Additionally, the Mi-28 is capable of carrying IR-guided R-73 air-to-air missiles, as well as Kh-25 air-to-surface missiles and aerial bombs weighing up to 500 kg.

Russia

The initial production models of the Mi-28N underwent factory flight and weapons testing by late May 2006, with the Russian Air Force officially receiving them on 5 June 2006. The helicopter was formally accepted into service three years later, in October 2009. It was anticipated that the Mi-28N would completely supplant the older Mi-24 variant within the Russian Armed Forces by 2015.

In September 2011, six Mi-28N helicopters participated in the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise known as Union Shield at the Ashuluk training range in Astrakhan Oblast.

To enhance pilot training for the Mi-28N, the Russian Defense Ministry planned to acquire up to 60 Mi-28UB combat trainer variants by 2020, aiming to supply four to six Mi-28UBs for each unit operating Mi-28Ns. An initial order for 24 Mi-28UB helicopters was placed in April 2016, and the first two serial production Mi-28UBs arrived at Torzhok Air Base on 16 November 2017.

The Mi-28N made its combat debut during Russia’s military intervention in Syria, notably supporting the Syrian Arab Army during the March 2016 Battle of Palmyra. Several Mi-28Ns of the Russian Aerospace Forces provided air support using S-8 unguided rockets and 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles against Islamic State positions.

In October 2016, a prototype of an improved Mi-28NM helicopter completed its maiden flight. The Russian Defense Ministry placed its first order for Mi-28NM helicopters in December 2017, although the exact quantity was not disclosed. By March 2019, a Mi-28NM prototype was observed conducting combat operations alongside a Mi-24/Mi-35M over rebel-controlled areas in northern Hama. This deployment was reportedly intended to test the helicopter under challenging climatic and environmental conditions. The Russian Aerospace Forces took delivery of their first two serial Mi-28NMs on 23 June 2019. Subsequently, during the ARMY-2019 International Military-Technical Forum, a long-term contract was signed between Rostec and the Defense Ministry for the procurement of 98 Mi-28NMs by 2027. A new contract followed in August 2022.

During Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Mi-28N was actively deployed. Reports from The Times indicated that Ukrainian forces successfully downed a Russian Mi-28N using a UK-supplied Starstreak missile in early April. On 26 April, Ukrainian troops discovered wreckage of a Mi-28 near Hostomel in Kyiv Oblast, likely destroyed during fighting at Hostomel Airport. Further losses included a Mi-28 destroyed north of Kharkiv on 9 May—registered RF-13654—marking the third visually confirmed loss of this type. Another helicopter with registration RF-13628 was shot down in Kharkiv on 16 May. On 12 June, Ukrainian forces recorded video footage of a destroyed Mi-28N; unfortunately, its crew perished at the crash site.

On 18 September 2023, Ukrainian military intelligence reported a raid targeting Chkalovsky Air Base near Moscow, claiming that a Mi-28N’s tail rotor was damaged during this operation. The helicopter had reportedly been involved in shooting down Ukrainian drones.

On 6 August 2024, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced that an FPV drone successfully damaged a Russian Mi-28 helicopter mid-flight over Kursk Oblast—a milestone described as the first instance of intercepting a helicopter with a drone during flight.

By November 2025, open-source intelligence from Oryx confirmed visual evidence of 14 Mi-28 helicopters lost and four additional units damaged since the onset of hostilities in early 2022.

Iraq

In October 2012, reports emerged that Russia and Iraq were on the verge of finalizing a weapons agreement valued between US$4.2 billion and $5.0 billion, which included the acquisition of 30 Mi-28NE helicopters. The contract's confirmation came on 9 October. However, concerns related to corruption led to the deal's initial cancellation. These issues were subsequently resolved, with the Iraqi defense minister affirming that "the deal is going ahead." By December 2015, Iraq had received 15 Mi-28NE helicopters.

The Iraqi Mi-28s are believed to have engaged in combat operations for the first time in September 2014, only days after their arrival. Official acknowledgment of their deployment by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence was made public on 30 October of the same year.

Algeria

In June 2010, Algeria was anticipated to order 42 Mi-28NE helicopters. On 30 August 2016, Algerian state television showcased the country’s initial batch of Mi-28NE helicopters for the first time.

Bangladesh

Towards the end of December 2021, reports emerged indicating that Bangladesh was in the process of finalizing an agreement to acquire eight Mi-28NE helicopters for the Bangladesh Air Force, including all necessary equipment and training for operation and maintenance. By the close of 2021, the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance had sanctioned approximately BDT 4100 crore (around $520 million, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD to 80 BDT) to fund the procurement of eight helicopters, categorized either as attack or transport types. The expenditure per helicopter was roughly $65 million, which is double the typical market price, and ambiguity remained regarding whether the purchase pertained to attack or transport variants. The likelihood of procuring Mi-26 transport helicopters appeared greater than that of Mi-28NE attack helicopters. Neither Bangladeshi nor Russian officials have issued statements confirming this transaction. In 2022, Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, publicly refuted media claims that Bangladesh had acquired Mil Mi-28NE attack helicopters.

India

The Indian Military expressed interest in a customized Mi-28 prototype equipped with avionics sourced from France and Belgian manufacturers. Discussions were held with Russian producers on how to fulfill these specifications. However, by October 2011, reports indicated that the American AH-64D had become the leading candidate over the Mi-28N to meet a requirement for 22 attack helicopters. Subsequently, India placed an order for 22 AH-64E models in 2015.

Iran

In November 2023, Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi, Deputy Defense Minister, announced that the integration of Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters into the combat forces of the Iranian Armed Forces has been finalized.

Kenya

Towards the end of 2011, Kenya initiated the acquisition of 16 Mi-28 helicopters intended for deployment with the 50th Air Cavalry Division based in Embakasi. The delivery from the Russian state-owned enterprise Rosoboronexport, responsible for military hardware imports and exports, was scheduled for 3 January 2012. Nonetheless, in 2013, Oboronprom refuted claims that this helicopter model had been officially adopted by the Kenyan military.

Venezuela

In April 2010, Venezuela reached an agreement to procure 10 Mi-28 helicopters for its army. However, no formal contract was ultimately signed following this announcement.

Variants

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Mil Mi-28 armament configuration

Mi-28

The initial prototype version which first flew in 1982.

Mi-28A

The original production model designed as an anti-tank helicopter.

Mi-28N/MMW Havoc

An all-weather, day-and-night capable variant introduced into Russian service in 2009. This model features a top-mounted millimeter wave radar, thermographic camera combined with TV systems, and a laser rangefinder. It is powered by two Klimov TV3-117VMA-SB3 engines (each producing 2,500 hp) originally manufactured by Ukraine's Motor-Sich, later replaced by Russian-made Klimov VK-2500 engines (2,699 hp each) starting in 2016. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,500 kg and can carry up to 2,350 kg of payload.

Mi-28NE

Export variant of the Mi-28N currently operated by the Iraqi and Algerian Air Forces. In August 2018, Russian Helicopters revealed an upgraded Mi-28NE featuring improved armor and advanced directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) designed to defend against short-range IR-guided missiles. Its composite rotor blades offer protection against projectiles sized between 20 and 30 mm, while its fuel system is engineered to resist fire and explosions. Additionally, it supports deployment of the modern 9M123 Khrizantema-VM anti-tank guided missiles.

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Mi-28NM displayed at MAKS-2021

Mi-28NM

A modernized iteration of the Mi-28N under development since 2009. It incorporates a redesigned nose without an external antenna, a new H025 radar system providing comprehensive situational awareness, more powerful VK-2500P engines equipped with FADEC controls, and enhanced rotor blades that boost maximum speed by approximately 13% and cruising speed by around 10%. Upgrades also include an advanced fire-control system and the "Izdeliye 296" onboard electronic data processing suite. This variant is compatible with 9M123VM Khrizantema and 9M127-1 Ataka-VM anti-tank missiles. Plans further include integration of the LMUR multipurpose missile capable of engaging both aerial and ground targets with inertial navigation during initial flight phases and operator-updated mid-course guidance before seeker activation at ranges up to 25 km. The Mi-28NM completed its maiden flight in October 2016, with state certification trials for its enhanced engines finalized in October 2020. An approved program exists for upgrading existing Mi-28Ns to this standard.

Mi-28D

A daylight-only operational variant similar to the Mi-28N but lacking the top-mounted radar and FLIR systems.

Mi-28UB

A training-and-combat version designed for pilot instruction alongside combat capability.

Mi-40

Conceived as a utility helicopter variant of the Mi-28 beginning in 1983 and publicly announced in 1992. Intended as an "Aerial Infantry Fighting Vehicle" successor to the Mil Mi-24 and Mi-8 assault helicopters, it was planned to be powered by two Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engines producing 1,863 kW each. The design included a four-blade main rotor and four-blade Delta H tail rotor derived from the Mi-28, along with retractable tricycle landing gear. Expected specifications featured an operational ceiling of approximately 3,300 meters, a maximum speed near 314 km/h, and cruising speed around 260 km/h with an empty weight between 11,000 and 12,000 kg. The aircraft was designed for operation under day, night, and adverse weather conditions while carrying eight troops (seven achieved in practice), eight stretchers or substantial external loads. Emphasis was placed on survivability through redundancy measures, infrared signature reduction, and shock absorbers enhancing crew safety during crashes. Armament plans included a forward-facing 23 mm rotary cannon (likely GSh-23L) and a rear-mounted heavy machine gun (likely Yak-B 12.7mm). Fuel tanks were integrated into fuselage fairings replacing stub wings which carried missiles mounted on specialized hardpoints above them. Drawing heavily from the earlier Mil Mi-36 design developed two years prior, the Mi-40 was eventually superseded by the Mil Mi-42 project. Although briefly revived in the 1990s with optimization studies completed, it never advanced beyond preliminary development stages.

Operators

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• Algerian Air Force – Operates 42 Mi-28NE helicopters.

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• Iraqi Army Aviation – Maintains a fleet of 17 Mi-28NE units.

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• Russian Air Force – Equipped with 94 Mi-28N/NM helicopters, with an additional 98 on order. Also operates 19 Mi-28UB aircraft, plus 40 more ordered.

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• Ugandan Air Force – Possesses 4 Mi-28NE helicopters, with 2 more pending delivery.

Notable accidents

File:Катастрофа Ми-28 2 августа 2015 г. полигон Дубровичи (005).jpg

A Mil Mi-28 helicopter crashed on 2 August 2015 at Dubrovichi training range in Ryazan region.

• On 2 August 2015, a Mi-28 belonging to the Berkut aerobatic team crashed during a demonstration flight alongside other helicopters in Ryazan. The pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Igor Butenko, was killed, while the co-pilot, Senior Lieutenant Alexander Kletnov, survived. Although the precise cause was not conclusively identified, the co-pilot reported a hydraulic system failure. Following this incident, Russian authorities temporarily grounded all Mi-28 helicopters pending investigation.
• On 3 January 2024, a Ugandan Mi-28N crashed in Nyamisingiri Village, Kichwamba sub-county, Ntoroko district within the Democratic Republic of Congo during a peacekeeping deployment.
• On 18 March 2025, a Mi-28 went down in a field near Shugovitsy village in Leningrad oblast while conducting a training mission, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Specifications

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External links

• Detailed Mi-28 information at army-technology.com
• Comprehensive Mi-28 overview on helis.com
• Airshow footage on YouTube
• Announcement of Russian Mi-28Ns receiving N025 radars in 2016 Jane's Information Group, IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 27 August 2015, by Nikolai Novichkov, Moscow.