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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
