Baghdad receives new batch of Russian attack helicopters

By Arif Yusuf

BAGHDAD

Iraq has received a fresh batch of Russian MI-28NE attack helicopters, which, according to the Iraqi Defense Ministry, have played an important role in the fight against the Daesh terrorist group.

In a Monday statement, ministry spokesman Nasir Nouri said Baghdad had received two of the Russian attack helicopters Sunday.

"And two more are expected to arrive shortly," he said.

Russia’s MI-28NE military helicopter is specifically designed to attack and destroy armored vehicles and low-speed aerial targets.

The Iraqi military has recently used MI-28NEs against Daesh, which in 2014 overran vast swathes of territory in northern and western Iraq.

"The helicopters have proven very successful against Daesh targets," Iraqi lawmaker Iskandar Witwit told Anadolu Agency.

Maged al-Gharawi, another Iraqi MP, said the new aircraft would serve to boost the Iraqi air force’s efficiency.

"These helicopter gunships will play an important role in the ongoing fight against Daesh," he said.

Last year, the Iraqi government signed a purchase agreement with Russia for 43 attack helicopters, of which Baghdad has already received 17 MI-28NEs and 16 MI-35M-class gunships.