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World Defense & Security News - Iraq
 
 
Iraq receives new batch of Mi-28NE attack helicopters
 
Russia supplied Iraq with a new batch of Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" military helicopters, the Iraqi Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "These helicopters will make a great contribution in support of ground forces in their operations aimed at targeting terrorist positions and destroying [their] armoured vehicle packed with explosives," the ministry said in a statement published on its website.
     
     
The contract for delivery of military equipment and vehicles worth $4,2 billion between Russia (Rosoboronexport) and Iraq was signed in 2012 during a visit of Iraqi President to Moscow. The contract is implemented by Rostvertol (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company), which manufactures Mi-35M and Mi-28NE combat helicopters, as well as Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters. According to experts, the cost of the delivered vehicles, including ground equipment and weapons, exceeds $1 billion.

It was reported earlier that Baghdad would take delivery of 43 combat helicopters by 2016 (24 Mi-35M and 19 Mi-28NE helicopters). As of october 2015, Iraq had taken delivery of 16 Mi-35Ms and 11 Mi-28NEs.

The Mil Mi-28NE is a Russian all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter designed and produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.