Mi-28NM Havoc: What is it? Russia’s modern attack helicopter
Mi-28NM
Mil Helicopter produces a heavy attack helicopter with a dual crew. The Mi-28 family was designed during the Soviet era as a counterpart to the Apache; Mi-28NM is the most modern version of this family. 30 mm 2A42 cannon, 16 × Vikhr or Ataka missiles, 80 × S-8 missiles with a diameter of 80 mm; equipped with advanced avionics and night vision systems. It formed the backbone of close air support for Russian ground forces in the Ukraine war.
What is Mi-28NM Havoc?
Mi-28 Havoc is a heavy attack helicopter developed in the 1980s by the Soviet Mil as a counterpart to the American AH-64 Apache. NATO designated it as “Havoc”. It features a classic dual-crew design (gunner in front, pilot in the back); two engines, armored cockpit, external weapon load. It follows the same design philosophy as the Apache.
Early versions (Mi-28A, Mi-28N) were delayed in entering service due to Soviet financial crises; however, since the early 2000s, they have become a permanent part of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ arsenal. Mi-28NM is the latest version that entered service in 2019:
- New avionics — modern digital displays, glass cockpit.
- Advanced optical electronic head — for night vision, fog, infrared.
- Integration of 9M120-1M Ataka and Vikhr-M ATGM.
- Dual radar — for wide coverage and millimeter-wave targets.
- L-370 Vitebsk EH system — missile warning and jamming.
- Fast rotor and aerodynamic improvements.
It has been actively used in operations in Syria, Ukraine, and the North Caucasus. However, the Ukraine war revealed weaknesses of the Mi-28: vulnerable to Stinger and MANPADS threats, forced to fly at low altitude, resulting in losses due to close fire from Ukrainian infantry. Nevertheless, it still forms the backbone of close air support.
