"I do think it's important to keep perspective. Russia doesn't make anything," Obama said in the interview. Wrong

The 2013 annual report released by the Russian helicopter manufacturer Rostvertol has revealed the number of Mi-28 attack helicopters that have been ordered by Iraq.

It was announced in October 2012 that Iraq had ordered Mi-28s, but the precise number has never been revealed, with the Russian media reporting that the deal covers the delivery of over 40 aircraft, including Mi-35 combat helicopters as well as Mi-28s.

The Rostvertol report lists two foreign contracts for the Mi-28 but only provides numbers rather than names for the countries involved. It says country '012' is buying 42 Mi-28NEs and six Mi-26T2 transports under a contract agreed on 26 June 2013. Read More


BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq has received Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters and will use them against militants who have overrun large parts of the country, the defence ministry said on Saturday.

A ministry statement did not specify how many of the heavily armoured two-seat gunships it has received or what it paid for them.

But a video posted on its website showed a hangar containing multiple desert camouflage-painted Mi-28s, which are capable of all-weather and day and night operation.

Militants led by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group launched a major offensive in June, sweeping Iraqi security forces aside and overrunning most of the country's Sunni heartland.

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