A Russian attack helicopter currently under production, the Mi-28NM, will be equipped with cruise missiles, RIA Novosti has reported.

The aircraft’s four missiles will have a maximum range of 100 kilometers (62 miles), greatly enhancing its ability to strike targets accurately, the state-owned Russian news agency added.

“No other helicopter in the world today has cruise missiles of such range and power as a standard weapon,” the outlet wrote, citing a source.

Drone-Launching Aircraft

The aircraft is an upgrade on the Mi-28N, the helicopter gunship currently in service with the Russian military.

Among the other upgrades, Mi-28NM will have over its predecessor is the ability to launch mini-drones from its modular missile launch tubes, TASS stated in an earlier report.

“When enemy targets are detected, the helicopter crew issues target designation data and monitors the destruction of targets,” Vitaly Shcherbina, chief designer of the combat helicopters program at the Moscow-based center said to the Russian news agency.

Other Capabilities

Moreover, the aircraft will be able to communicate with other classes of drones such as the Korsar and Outpost-R (both medium-weight drones) “…both through the automated command post of army aviation and directly between the helicopter and the drone.

The helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of functions including reconnaissance, target designation, and “the destruction of ground and air targets.”

The Russian ministry of defense has ordered 98 Mi-28NMs from 2020-2027.

Mi-28NM – Russia’s adding Long Range Cruise Missiles Izdeliye 305 on Mi-28NM Attack Helicopter