Pakistan Army looking for next generation helicopter gunships
Tariq Iqbal | Aug 22, 2007, 10:17
Pakistani delegation has recently visited International Aviation and Space salon 'MAKS-2007' outside Moscow, which suggests that it might be interested in acquiring Russian next generation helicopter gunships.
Pakistani military officers were seen in 'MAKS-2007' salon checking out the new Mi-28 and the KA-52 helicopter gunships. It may very well supports that there are Russian contenders as well.
It is not known how many next generation helicopter gunships Pakistan is trying to acquire but the figure may well add up to 30 helicopter gunships.
Pakistan currently uses AH-1S and AH-1F Cobra helicopter gunships, which are primarily used on the War on Terror to strike on the militants on the western border with Afghanistan
It was earlier reported through Pakistan Defence News that Pakistani Ambassador Mustafa Kamal Qazi has issued a list to the Russian counterparts to acquire military weapons & reconnaissance aircrafts to combat terrorism.
"There is a need for aerial reconnaissance. That's why we have asked Russia for equipment, which could help us in combating with terrorists. This is aircraft and means of aerial reconnaissance," he was quoted.
After the delivery of the RD-93 engines, this probably would be the second military order from Russia if the equipment met the requirements of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
The Mil Mi-28 (NATO: Havoc) is a tandem two seat anti-armour attack helicopter with no intended secondary transport capability. It is a follow up of Mi-24 helicopter with extensive design changes. Russian Military currently has 28+ of these helicopter gunships in service.
The Kamov KA-52 "Alligator" (NATO: Hokum-B) helicopter gunship is two seated derivative of KA-50 helicopter gunship. It is multi role, all weather combat helicopter designed to support the ground troops and engage slow moving objects in the air.
https://defence.pk/news/publish/Pak...t_generation_helicopter_gunships_20070822.php