Algerian Mi-28s break cover

6708

The Algerian Air Force has for the first time displayed its new Mi-28NE attack helicopters in public, with the aircraft taking part in a live fire exercise.

Six of the helicopters were seen at Ain Ouessara Air Base late last month. The Algerian Ministry of National Defence (MDN) said that on 30 August Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, oversaw the execution of a live fire exercise and inspected the helicopters and other equipment at the base.

The helicopters were fitted with N025E mast-mounted radars and pods for 87 mm S-8 rockets. Salah was also seen inspecting a launch tube for either a 9M114 Kokon or 9M120 Ataka air-to-surface missile, reports IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly.

Russia delivered the first two Mi-28NEs in late May out of an order for 42 of the type. Algeria is getting dual control versions of the Mi-28NE, allowing both crewmembers to pilot the aircraft.

Algeria is the third Mi-28NE operator after Iraq and Russia. It has also ordered 14 Mi-26T2 heavy lift helicopters from Russia. The first was delivered in June 2015.