Another production-standard Mil Mi-28N combat helicopter made on order from the Russian Defence Ministry completed its first flight from the airfield of Rostvertol JSC in Rostov-on-Don on 8 April 2011. It is the 40th aircraft of the type manufactured by Rostvertol, including the second prototype and seven preproduction Mi-28Ns built by Rostvertol during 2004 through 2007 and subjected to official trials. The Mi-28N entered service under the Presidential decree dated 15 October 2009.

During 2010, the first RusAF air squadron stationed in Budyonnovsk converted to the Mi-28N (Rostvertol had made a total of 16 helicopters for it, of which 10 were delivered in 2009) and a second RusAF unit stationed in Korenovsk, started taking deliveries. According to the Russian media, the first five Mi-28Ns were shipped there in October 2010, with three more having followed before year-end 2010. According to the Russian press, Rostvertol is to deliver 67 Mi-28Ns in the near future under the contract awarded in 2005. However, this is only the first phase, and the current contract is to be followed by others, since RusAF’s total Mi-28N helicopter requirement stands at 300 machines at the least, as was repeatedly stated by the service’s brass.

The helicopter’s developer, the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, and manufacturer, Rostvertol, are making efforts to refine the machine further, in particular, the Mi-28UB combat trainer with twin controls is gearing up for construction, and work on the Mi-28N’s upgrade is under way in line with the helicopter’s official test programme report. Since late 2009, line units have been fielded with Mi-28Ns powered by advanced VK-2500-02 engines (the earlier-build machines are powered by TV3-117VMAs). Rostvertol Director General Boris Slyusar told the media in April that the company would productionise the upgraded version designated as Mi-28NM. It remains yet unknown what it will differ from the current production-standard aircraft in, but probably, it will mount a radar, more sophisticated electro-optical systems, an effective defence aids suite (DAS) and latest weapons.

Boris Slyusar also said the company planned to launch Mi-28NE deliveries for export from 2012. It had been reported previously that Algeria, Venezuela and several CIS countries (e.g. Belarus and Kazakhstan) had been keen on the type. In addition, the Mi-28NE is a contender of the tender for 22 combat helicopters, issued by the Indian Defence Ministry. Last autumn, the helicopter took part in the demonstration and test flight programme in India and won approval of the potential customer. In February this year, there were media reports that talks in 2010 had resulted in the first export contract for 12 Mi-28NEs, but who is the buyer remains unknown for the time being.