Asian attack helicopter programmes prove less than straightforward
The Bangladesh Air Force may have moved on to the Mi-28NE rather than the AH-64E. (Rosoboronexport)
There are several ongoing attack helicopter programmes in Asia, but they are not all proceeding smoothly.
Price, politics and pandemics are all having an effect on attack helicopter programmes in the Asian region, particularly acquisitions in Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines.
American AH-64E Apaches, Chinese Z-10MEs, Russian Mi-28NEs and Turkish T129Bs have all been garnering attention in relation to the above three countries.
At the end of 2021, Bangladesh media were reporting that the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) headquarters had sent a proposal to the country’s Ministry of Finance for pre-approval of a purchase of eight Mi-28NE attack helicopters from Russia.
It was claimed the government-to-government deal would be worth some BDT41
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing eyes $65 billion Asia-Pacific market despite Indonesia F-15 halt
With a growing customer list and portfolio expansion in the region, the company has said that it has a strong ongoing commitment to Asia-Pacific.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s EagleStrike aims for 2027 early-stage production]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s EagleStrike aims for 2027 early-stage production
The new loitering munition from ST Engineering, unveiled at the Singapore Airshow for the first time, is intended for use against high-value targets such as lightly armoured vehicles.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: RSAF refreshes air transport capability as part of force modernisation
Singapore is understood to have received three of four ex-Spanish C-130Hs from Blue Aerospace in recent weeks.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
