Russia's Rosvertol, which produces attack helicopters for the Russian Helicopters holding company, is in talks with Algeria over the export of its Mi-28NE, the Rostov-on-Don-based manufacturer said on 6 June.
"A commercial proposal has already been sent [to Algiers] and this year we will start discussions. We hope to sign a contract for delivery in the 2012-17 timeframe," said Rosvertol general director Boris Slyusar. The company has not revealed how many aircraft Algeria is interested in acquiring.
If the deal goes ahead it will be only the second export sale of the night-capable Mi-28NE, which is now being introduced to the Russian armed forces. Venezuela also ordered 10 last year, but these have not yet been delivered.
The two-seat Mi-28NE is equipped with a mast-mounted millimetre-wave fire control radar and advanced night vision optical systems. It carries the Ataka anti-armour missile system, a 30mm cannon and unguided rockets.
Algeria already operates the Russian-built Mi-24 attack helicopter, with Flightglobal's HeliCAS database listing 36 of these as in its air force inventory.
Source: Flight International
