A Russian-made Mi-28NE Night Hunter helicopter crashed in Uganda, killing all crew members
The owner of the house on which the helicopter crashed died along with the crew
The Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have confirmed the crash of a helicopter in Nyamisigiri village, Kabarole District. All crew members and a civilian whose house was damaged were killed in the crash. The crew, who were involved in the fight against ADF terrorists, were killed. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
According to a statement released by the army spokesman, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF attack helicopter tragically crashed, killing all crew members on board and a civilian whose home was damaged in the incident.
Photo: @akwesiga23
"Our condolences go out to their families at this very difficult time. The crew died as heroes, fighting to secure our western border from the dreaded ADF terrorists. The crew will be identified as soon as the next CAC is informed," Kulaygie said.
About the Mi-28NE Night Hunter
The Mi-28NE Night Hunter helicopter is a Russian combat helicopter designed to perform missions at any time of the day, in all weather conditions. The Mi-28NE is an export version of the Mi-28N. The Mi-28NE is designed to search for and destroy tanks, armoured and unarmoured vehicles, military personnel (both in combat and on the march), as well as low-flying air targets (helicopters and drones).
The main armament includes missiles of various types (anti-tank, guided, unguided), as well as a 30 mm aircraft cannon. The Mi-28NE can also be equipped with air-to-air missiles for self-defence. The helicopter is equipped with navigation and targeting systems, including thermal imagers, laser systems for distance and target detection, and electronic defence systems against enemy missiles.
The Mi-28NE crew consists of two people - a pilot and a weapons operator. The cockpit and key components of the helicopter are protected by armour that can withstand small arms fire and shrapnel from artillery shells. According to the Military Portal, Uganda became the third foreign customer of Russian Mi-28NE helicopters after Iraq and Algeria, which ordered a total of 57 units. The cost of such a helicopter can range from $16.8 million to $18 million.
Civil war in Uganda
Uganda is in the midst of a civil war that began in 1986. The Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, is fighting rebels from the Lord's Resistance Army (ADF). The ADF is an Islamist group that advocates the establishment of an Islamic state in Uganda. The ADF was founded in 1995 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group moved to Uganda in 1996 and has since waged an armed struggle against the government. The ADF is known for its brutal methods, including attacks on civilians, assassinations, kidnappings and attacks on schools.
The Ugandan government has taken steps to combat the ADF, including military operations in the eastern part of the country. The government is also working with other countries in the region to form a coalition to fight ADF. In 2023, ADF carried out a series of attacks on military and civilian targets in Uganda. These attacks killed dozens of people and injured hundreds. The Ugandan government responded to these attacks with new military operations against the ADF.
Source: kfm.co.ug/news
