Russia Demonstrates ‘Brute Power’ Of Its Attack Helicopters, Mi-35 & Mi-28, Against Ukrainian Targets

The Russian Defense Ministry has released a video displaying the ‘brute power’ of its multi-purpose attack helicopters against Ukrainian targets. The choppers involved in the operation were Mi-35 and Mi-28. 

The footage shows how the aircraft is prepared for flight, how guided and unguided missiles are fired at targets, and how helicopters are returned to base.

The ministry said that helicopters operate at extremely low altitudes to avoid detection by hostile air defense systems. 

Russian helicopters attacked camouflaged command posts and armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from a pitched-up posture at a speed of more than 200 kph.  

https://twitter.com/JohnRMetzner/status/1607998636390223875?s=20&t=xhp1VWRplP8TBlh_r7ueEg

“The crews of the army aviation helicopters of the Western Military District continue to perform tasks to destroy armored vehicles and military infrastructure facilities. Escort of military columns, delivery of paratroopers, military cargo, and air support of units – all flights take place at an extremely low altitude,” the Defense Ministry added.

Meanwhile, according to an aviation complex engineer, an on-board technician with call sign No. 7, one of the Mi-35 helicopters sustained at least four damages during a combat mission when a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile detonated near the board.

The engineer also commented on how effectively the onboard defense system operates, allowing you to deflect such projectiles away from the aircraft. The technician said it just took one day to complete the repair.

Based on the Russian Mi-24 chopper, the Mi-35 incorporates several technological advancements while maintaining the salient features of its forerunner, including firepower, armor, and resilience.

It can perform tasks in low-light situations at any time of day or night. It is armed with an 80mm unguided rocket launcher, an Ataka air-to-surface missile launcher, and a large 23mm gun mounted on a movable turret under its nose.

According to Rosoboronexport, the Mi-35 is designed to destroy tanks, other armored and unarmored vehicles, and enemy personnel on the battlefield in tactical depth and to carry out additional tasks independently or in coordination with ground forces.

Meanwhile, the Russian attack helicopter Mi-28, widely known as Havoc in the West, flew for the first time in 1982. However, the original Mi-28 and the upgraded Mi-28A models never reached mass production. 

The definite production variant was the Mi-28N, which had been significantly enhanced and incorporated night attack capabilities.

In addition, a new main gearbox with increased power transmission to the rotor, new, high-efficiency blades with swept-shaped tips, and an engine fuel injection control system have also been included. The Russian MoD placed an order for 67 Mi-28N helicopters in 2005.

Russia-China Naval Drill

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 28 that the Sino-Russian exercise, Naval Interaction 2022, has been completed in the East China Sea. The ministry also released a video demonstrating the two Navies’ coordination.

“Naval task forces of the [Russian] Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy have completed their tasks for the bilateral ‘Naval Interaction’ exercise in the East China Sea,” the ministry stated.

Russian and Chinese crews engaged in a rescue operation and practiced maritime search and rescue operations during the drills. They also improved their communication capabilities. 

Additionally, ships from the two nations, assisted by anti-submarine aircraft, could detect and destroy a notional enemy’s submarine using rocket-propelled depth charges. They also employed anti-aircraft missiles against aerial targets and live-fired artillery rounds at a target that resembled a surface ship.

The ministry said that the drills included more than ten combat drills. On December 21-27, Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises in the East China Sea.

The Pacific Fleet flagship, the Order of Nakhimov Guards missile cruiser Varyag, led the Russian naval group. On the other hand, the destroyer Jinan commanded the Chinese task force.

Along with the Project 20380 corvettes Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Sovershenny, the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov was another Russian warship that took part in the Joint Sea 2022 exercise.

The Chinese naval task force included the destroyers Jinan and Baotou, the frigates Binzhou and Yancheng, a comprehensive supply ship, and a diesel submarine. 

The joint drills demonstrate the two countries’ strength and coordination in the naval domain, mainly when the United States is promoting its “Indo-Pacific Strategy” and growing military deployment in the Western Pacific.

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