Click to see full-size image. (Screengrab/Russian Ministry of Defense)
The Russian Ministry of Defense on June 16 released video footage showing a Mi-28NM equipped with new antennas, indicating a new upgrade to the attack helicopter.
The helicopter is seen in the footage firing a LMUR non-line of sight optically-guided missile against an unidentified Ukrainian target in the special military zone. The new antennas, installed atop of the self-defense pods on the wing tips of the helicopter, appear in several shots.
The Russian abbreviation “СВЧ” which refers to microwave frequencies — that cover the radio spectrum from 300 MHz to 300 GHz — is seen written on the antennas.
It is highly unlikely that the antennas are related to the guidance of the LMUR, as the missile utilizing the AS-BPLA data-link antenna is located in a fairing in the nose.
Still, it can’t be completely ruled out that the antennas are meant to enhance the coverage of the AS-BPLA, or that they are a part of a new separate data-link system.
The antennas could also be an upgrade to the Mi-28NM’s L370V28 Vitebsk self-defense suite, meant to improve electronic countermeasures to radar guided missiles, or even to interceptor drones. The location in which they are installed highly suggest this.
It is also very possible that the antennas are being used along with the said self-defense suit as radar early warning sensors.
In any case, the new upgrade shows how Russia is constantly working to improve its weapon systems based on experience gained from the special military operation.
The improvements to attack helicopters, especially the Mi-28NM, have been significant. Over 100 Mi-28s are currently in service, with older versions being upgraded to the NM standard. More information on the latest upgrade will likely surface with time, as it is likely still in the testing phase.
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time to make a big crater out of nazi kiev