The Russian Army will deploy the latest state-of-the-art Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters in its aviation fleet this year.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Drik said that deliveries of the new Mi-28H helicopters had begun and the receipt of a new round-the-clock and all-weather helicopter complex Ka-52 was expected in 2010.

The new helicopters are intended for different applications including jamming purposes where they serve as air control centres, for fuelling, and search and rescue operations.

The Mi-28N is an all-weather day and night military tandem two-seat anti-armour attack helicopter, while the Ka-52 is a upgraded version of the Ka-50 single-seat attack helicopter.