The Mi-28 Havoc: Russia’s Rugged Attack Helicopter

Attack helicopters have gotten complicated… and the Mi-28 is a perfect example of just how far rotary-wing warfare has come. As someone who’s spent years following military aviation developments, I learned everything there is to know about the Mil Mi-28 “Havoc.” Today, I will share it all with you.

The Mi-28 is one of those helicopters that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in Western media, but it’s genuinely impressive once you dig into what it can do. It’s a dedicated attack platform — built from the ground up to destroy armor, support ground troops, and even run reconnaissance when the mission calls for it. Let me walk you through what makes this bird tick.

How the Mi-28 Came to Be

Back in the late 1970s, Soviet military planners realized they needed something better than the Mi-24 Hind. Don’t get me wrong — the Hind was a beast in its own right, with heavy armor and a reputation for multi-role flexibility. But it was never purpose-built as a pure attack helicopter. The brass wanted a dedicated anti-armor weapon system with sharper flight performance and more advanced avionics. That’s how the Mi-28 project got its start.

The first prototype took flight in 1982, which sounds early until you realize the production model didn’t become fully operational until the mid-1990s. That’s over a decade of refinement, testing, and iterating through prototypes. There were setbacks, design changes, and plenty of political headaches along the way. But honestly? That extended development cycle meant the final product had a lot of the kinks worked out by the time it entered service.

One thing I really appreciate about the design is the tandem seating for pilot and gunner. It’s not just an aesthetic choice — placing them one behind the other narrows the helicopter’s profile significantly, making it a smaller target from the ground. The airframe itself is heavily armored against small arms fire and shell fragments, using a smart mix of composite materials and advanced alloys. They managed to keep it tough without making it so heavy it can’t fly efficiently. That’s no small engineering feat.

Avionics and Weapons — Where It Gets Interesting

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The weapons and sensors on the Mi-28 are what really set it apart.

The avionics suite is tailored specifically for combat. The pilots get a helmet-mounted display system, which means they can lock onto targets just by looking at them. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s been standard on advanced attack helicopters for a while now. There’s also a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system for night vision, letting crews operate effectively even when visibility drops to nearly zero. The navigation and fire control systems are tightly integrated, which helps with precision targeting when fractions of a second matter.

Here’s the rundown on what it carries:

• 30mm Shipunov 2A42 autocannon: This is mounted on a movable turret under the nose. It can swivel to engage both ground and air targets, and it hits hard. The same cannon, by the way, is used on Russia’s BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle — so it’s a proven weapon.
• Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs): The Mi-28 typically carries the 9M120 Ataka series. These are tube-launched missiles with effective ranges stretching out to several kilometers. They’re designed to punch through heavy armor, which is the whole reason this helicopter exists.
• Unguided rockets: Pods loaded with 80mm and 122mm rockets give the crew options for softer targets or when they need to suppress a wider area quickly.
• Air-to-air missiles: In certain configurations, the Mi-28 can carry missiles meant for shooting down other aircraft. It’s not its primary role, but having that flexibility in a contested airspace is a big deal.

What It Can Actually Do in the Field

That’s what makes the Mi-28 endearing to us aviation enthusiasts — it’s not just a one-trick pony. Yeah, its main job is killing tanks, but the advanced avionics and sensor package mean it can also handle reconnaissance duties when needed.

Maneuverability is a strong suit here. The Mi-28 can weave through challenging terrain, pop up to engage a target, and duck back behind cover before the enemy can react. It tops out at around 300 km/h (roughly 186 mph), which isn’t record-breaking but is more than fast enough to reposition quickly in a firefight.

The range is solid too — good enough for extended missions without constantly running back to refuel. And here’s something that really matters in a real combat scenario: the Mi-28 can perform nap-of-the-earth flying. That means skimming just above the ground, using terrain features as cover to stay below enemy radar. It’s intense, demanding flying, but it can mean the difference between completing a mission and getting shot down.

The Different Variants

Over the years, several versions of the Mi-28 have rolled out, each one addressing lessons learned and evolving threats:

• Mi-28N “Night Hunter”: This is the big upgrade. It added a radar system mounted above the rotor and significantly improved night-fighting capability. The name says it all — this variant turned the Mi-28 into a true around-the-clock threat.
• Mi-28NE: The export variant, tweaked for international buyers. The systems are slightly modified to meet the requirements (and restrictions) of foreign clients, but the core capability remains intact.
• Mi-28NM: The latest modernized version, and it’s a substantial leap forward. We’re talking upgraded engines, overhauled avionics, and integration of new weapons systems. It reflects everything Russia’s learned from operating the earlier models in real-world conditions.

Who’s Flying It Around the World

Russia is obviously the primary operator, and they’ve integrated the Mi-28 across multiple branches of their military for both offensive strikes and support roles. But it’s not just a Russian machine anymore. Iraq has them in service, Algeria too, and there’ve been other nations kicking the tires over the years.

The fact that it’s found buyers in different regions — with very different climates, terrains, and operational needs — tells you something about its adaptability. A helicopter that only works well in one set of conditions doesn’t sell internationally. The Mi-28 clearly delivers enough versatility to earn that kind of trust from foreign militaries.

How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?

You can’t talk about the Mi-28 without mentioning its biggest rivals. The two that always come up are the American AH-64 Apache and the European Eurocopter Tiger. I’ve always found these comparisons fascinating because each helicopter reflects its country’s philosophy about warfare:

• AH-64 Apache: The Apache is all about multi-role functionality and network integration. It’s designed to plug into a broader digital battlefield, sharing targeting data with other assets in real time. It’s incredibly capable, and it’s been proven in multiple conflicts.
• Eurocopter Tiger: The Tiger emphasizes agility and cutting-edge electronics. It’s lighter, nimbler, and built with European operational doctrine in mind — flexible deployment across varied environments.

Where the Mi-28 separates itself is in sheer ruggedness and raw firepower. It’s built to take hits, keep flying, and dish out devastating punishment. If you’re expecting long, grinding engagements against heavy armor — the kind of scenario Soviet and Russian planners have always prepared for — the Mi-28 is arguably the best tool for the job. It won’t win any beauty contests, but that’s never been the point.

What’s Next for the Mi-28

The Mi-28 isn’t standing still. Development continues with a focus on keeping pace with modern battlefield realities. We’re seeing enhanced digital systems, more powerful engines, and new weapons integration in the pipeline. The big push right now is network-centric warfare — getting the Mi-28 to communicate seamlessly with other air and ground assets for coordinated operations.

I think the Mi-28’s story is far from over. As long as armored ground forces remain a cornerstone of modern warfare, there’ll be a need for dedicated attack helicopters that can take them out. The Havoc has been doing that job for decades now, and with continuous upgrades, it’s positioned to keep doing it for decades more.