Breaking news
Russia reportedly tested variants of 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles in Syria.
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World Defense & Security News - Russia
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Russia reportedly tested variants of 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles in Syria
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Russia could have tested two types of 9M120 'Ataka' (NATO reporting name: AT-9 Spiral 2) guided missile, anti-tank and anti-personnel respectively, in Syria, according to Russian defense experts. Russian Mi-28N (Havoc-B) attack helicopter has made its combat debut in Syria, according to the footage provided by Russia`s Ministry of Defense (MoD).
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 Russian Mi-28N Havoc combat helicopters reportedly used 9M210 Ataka ATGMs for the first time in combat operations against the Islamic State in Syria |
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The footage shows the usage of at least one Mi-28N helicopter in fighting against the Islamic State terrorists near the Palmira city (Homs province). The rotor-wing aircraft could have used both types of 'Ataka' (AT-9 Spiral 2) guided missiles, namely, 9M120 with anti-tank shaped-charge warhead and anti-personnel 9M120F with combined high-explosive/aerosol-explosive warhead. Mi-28N eliminated hostile infantry fighting vehicle and destroyed a small building with terrorists inside. The helicopter`s gunner seemed to guide the missiles using radio command guidance system. The footage also shows image from the helicopter`s TV camera.
According to several reports, Mi-28N has fully revealed its anti-terroristic potential in fighting outside the Palmira city. The airframe and rotor-blades were not damaged by hostile anti-aircraft guns (primarily outdated, but widespread ZU-23-2), as the helicopter eliminated them, staying at the safe distance (3-4.5 km). A source in Russian defence industry mentioned the effectiveness Mi-28N`s radioelectronic protection, not saying the type and designation of the appropriate systems installed. "(In Syria), the helicopter`s jamming system has easily suppresed the ageing man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), namely Soviet Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail) and Igla-1 (SA-16 Gimlet) and Chinese Hong Ying-5 (HN-5)," the source emphasized. Hence, Mi-28N seems to be an effective counter-terroirstic weapon, which can use 9M120F anti-personnel guided missiles, 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon with high-explosive shells and S-8OFP unguided rockets with HE warhead. It has sufficient protection against ballistic and missile threats. In Syria Mi-28N has proven its ability to eliminate even small soft-skin targets, staying at the safe distances. The helicopter may be required by nations fighting against terrorist, which are willing to replace the obsolete platforms (foir instance, Mi-24Vs and early variants of AH-1 Cobra) by new attack platforms. Several such states, namely Algeria and Iraq have already ordered 42 and 19 Mi-28NEs, respectively. |
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