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A prototype of the Russian advanced Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” attack helicopter is testing a new guided missile in Syria, TASS reported on March 24, citing a military source.
“The newest long-range guided missile Article 305, equipped with a combined guidance system, is being tested in Syria,” the Russian news agency quoted the source as saying.
According to a previous report of TASS, Article 305 is equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS), an electro-optical seeker and a two-way secured data link. The missile has a range of up to 25km, which is more than most similar Western weapons.
At least a single prototype of the Mi-28NM was deployed in the Russian Hmeimim airbase in the western Syria earlier this year for testing proposes. On March 21, the prototype participated in an attack on militants’ positions in northern Hama. Opposition sources said that the helicopter struck several targets in the town of al-Lataminah.
The Article 305 missile represents a major breakthrough for the Russian military industry. The combine guidance system will allow the missile to hit its target with a high accuracy from a safe distance.
