The russian forces have started deploying Mi-28NM attack helicopters equipped with Vikhr anti-tank guided missiles. The missile has a range of 10 km, it was integrated in the helicopter arsenal just recently.
This causes strange things to happen: during the launch, the displays issue caution signals as if the helicopter was illuminated by enemy radar or targeted by an anti-aircraft missile. However, it seems the Mi-8NM crews are used to this problem which apparently became a common issue. A video depicting that has appeared on the web.
Read more: Russia Relocates Helicopters to Taganrog Airbase After Ukrainian Strike (Satellite Images)
The fact russians integrated Vikhr anti-tank missiles into helicopters and use them in battles against the Armed Forces of Ukraine is symptomatic.
Previously, Mi-28NM helicopters could only deploy either LMUR unguided rockets — with wide attack range of 15 kilometers yet equipped with a HE-FRAG warhead, not very suitable armor, — or anti-tank missiles of the Ataka family with a range limited to 5 kilometers (which implies they risk entering airspace controlled by Ukrainian air defenses). Other modifications of Mi-28 can only use Ataka missiles.
The first time russians mentioned the plans to adapt Vikhr missiles so that they could be launched by Mi-28NM was in August 2023. Pilots complained they didn't get an upgraded cockpit equipment, for example, they lacked GOES-451 targeting pod, and it limits the effectiveness of Vikhr missiles on Mi-28.
Nonetheless, even in this limited configuration, the integration of Vikhr was a rational way to expand the helicopter's capabilities. Even with some errors and issues, it still adds another weapon to the arsenal of their Mi-28NM. Although so far there are only about a dozen helicopters of this type in the russian army in total.
Earlier Defense Express reported that more than 20 russian Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters fled the air base in Berdiansk after an ATACMS strike by Ukrainian forces. Presumably, they re-emerged in Taganrog, either seeking for a safer place, or preparing to redeploy them in other areas of military operations, or both.
Read more: Another russian Facility Found by Ukrainian Partisans in Occupied Simferopol
