Mil Mi-24V

The Mil Mi‑24V, produced by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, is an evolution of the legendary Mi‑24 attack helicopter that first entered service in the early 1970s. Introduced in 1984, the V variant incorporated the powerful TV3‑117VMA turboshaft engine, upgraded avionics and a new gun sight system, giving it superior performance in hot‑and‑high environments and enhancing night‑fighter capability. Its distinctive tandem‑seat layout allows a pilot and weapons officer to operate simultaneously, while the heavily armored fuselage can withstand small‑arms fire and shrapnel. Armament includes a 30 mm GSh‑30‑2V cannon, up to eight anti‑tank guided missiles, rocket pods and air‑to‑air missiles, making the Mi‑24V a true “flying infantry fighting vehicle.” Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the helicopter saw extensive combat in Afghanistan, the Iran–Iraq War and later in the Balkans, proving its versatility in both close‑air support and deep‑strike roles. With more than 170 units built, the Mi‑24V cemented the Mil design as a benchmark for multirole attack helicopters, influencing later platforms such as the Russian Ka‑52 and several export models still in service today. It has been exported to many nations and upgraded with digital navigation and night‑vision systems.