Pakistan reveals interest in Russian dual-control Mi-28NEs

[Saifullah Sani]

The dual-control Mi-28NE has a number of features that can combat the potential threat of hostile ground fire. Source: N Novichkov

Pakistan has shown interest in acquiring the latest dual-control variant of the Mil Mi-28NE Night Hunter ('Havoc-B') attack helicopter, a Pakistani diplomatic source toldIHS Jane's on 24 March.

He pointed out that the dual-control Mi-28NE meets the Pakistani armed forces' requirements for a platform for counter-terrorism operations, as the helicopter's ballistic and radio-electronic protection and combat effectiveness have been improved over the basic Mi-28NE and both the pilot and gunner can control the aircraft.

Such features can significantly increase the level of a helicopter's survivability on the modern battlefield, where adversaries frequently have anti-aircraft guns and man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The dual-control Mi-28NE's advanced ballistic protection kit allows the helicopter to withstand several hits from 23 mm (airframe) and 30 mm (composite rotor blades) shells.

Russia has previously offered Pakistan four Mi-28NEs without dual controls to support Islamabad's counter-terrorism operations: an offer that fostered resentment from India. The source noted that, although that offer was not furthered, when Rostvertol, Russian Helicopters' parent company, launched serial production of the dual-control Mi-28NE, "Pakistan showed its intention to take the issue from the table".

In 2015 Islamabad signed a contract with Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport for four Mi-35M ('Hind-J') attack helicopters, the deliveries of which are scheduled for 2016.


Pakistan reveals interest in Russian dual-control Mi-28NEs | IHS Jane's 360

 

[All-Green]

Since we are evaluating the Chinese Attack Helicopter WZ-10 these days on top of talks with US over Cobras so perhaps we are keeping all options open at the moment.

I sincerely hope that we finalize an option and move forward.
I understand that defense procurement is a time taking process as we have many things to consider which contribute to the overall value of a platform e.g. capability, cost effectiveness, availability, synergies with in-house development programs etc.

However, the need for gunships is very critical in the COIN operation being conducted all across our country.
The opportunity cost of not inducting gunships in the present day is perhaps something we should not take lightly.

 

[Tipu7]

Made few Just in case if some one is interested to know ''parts'' of this Gunship.

 

[ACE OF THE AIR]

This would be very good idea provided the Russian Engine overhaul facility is provided.

The engines would be same as the Mi-17's and the Mi-35's.

 

[MKC]

How many types of helicopter will Pakistan get for same roll?
Mi28, Mi35, Vipers, WZ-10s & many already in service.

 

[Path-Finder]

this copter is really smashing the terrorist in Iraq and Syria it is really putting it through its paces and this could compete with the Apache in similar roles!

 

[Zain Malik]

How many types of helicopter will Pakistan get for same roll?
Mi28, Mi35, Vipers, WZ-10s & many already in service.

Yes all these but low in numbers.......!!!!!!

 

[barbarosa]

Why.....Are you a theif,So your hands will cut.........?????
Understand the requirements of PAF mate........!!!!!

You did not understand my jock. I am saying that one type of heli is for the cutting of hand of the enemy, 2nd is for his foot cuting and 3rd is for head. Is it for me or for enemy?

 

[MKC]

Yes all these but low in numbers.......!!!!!!

I think, in cost of building facility for maintaining different types of helicopter you can by at least 10 more.

 

[Zain Malik]

You did not understand my jock. I am saying that one type of heli is for the cutting of hand of the enemy, 2nd is for his foot cuting and 3rd is for head. Is it for me or for enemy?

ohhh state in clear words....Sorry Brother....plz don't mind.......

 

[shhh]

Made few Just in case if some one is interested to know ''parts'' of this Gunship.

View attachment 299912 View attachment 299913

THIS IS A FLYING TANK!

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Decent machine

 

[Signalian]

It can only prove useful if deployed correctly.

 

[airmarshal]

I think news shared on this forum a couple of days ago too.

Is Pakistan buying a sizeable number or just picking up free samples?

 

[باپ]

It can only prove useful if deployed correctly.

Don't worry it won't be deployed as submarine