the Mi-28N, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the procurement of up to 60 Mi-28UB training-and-combat versions by 2020. Four to six Mi-28UBs would be purchased for every unit that operates the Mi-28N. An initial batch of 24 Mi-28UB training-and-combat helicopters was ordered in April 2016, and the first two serial Mi-28UBs arrived at the Torzhok Air Base on 16 November 2017. During the Russian military intervention of the Syrian civil war, the Mi-28N had its combat debut during the 2016 Battle of Palmyra when several Mi-28Ns of the Russian Air Force supported the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in their advance towards the city. During their support to SAA, Russia's Mi-28Ns targeted several Islamic State positions with S-8 unguided rockets and 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles. In October 2016, a prototype of an upgraded Mi-28NM helicopter performed its maiden flight. The Russian Defence Ministry ordered the first batch of Mi-28NM helicopters in December 2017, not disclosing the number of helicopters ordered. In March 2019, a Mi-28NM prototype was seen accompanied by a Mi-24/Mi-35M during a combat sortie over rebel-held territory in the northern Hama. It was reported the helicopter was sent to Syria to undergo testing in difficult weather and climate conditions. The Russian Air Force received the first two serial Mi-28NMs on 23 June 2019. A month later, during the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2019, the Russian Defence Ministry and Rostec signed a long-term contract for the supply of 98 Mi-28NMs by 2027. A new contract was signed in August 2022. The Mi-28N was deployed by Russia during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Times reported that Ukrainian forces had successfully used a UK-made Starstreak system to shoot down a Russian Mi-28N attack helicopter in early April. On 26 April, the wreck of a Mi-28 was found by Ukrainian forces outside the town of Hostomel in Kyiv region. The craft was likely destroyed during the battle for Hostomel airport. On 9 May, one Mi-28 was destroyed in north of Kharkiv, the attack helicopter with registration number RF-13654 was the third visually reported loss of that type. On 16 May, another Mi-28N with registration number RF-13628 was destroyed in Kharkiv. On 12 June, a Mi-28H was destroyed and its wreck recorded in video by Ukrainian troops, the crew of the aircraft died at the crash site. Iraq In October 2012, it was reported that Russia and Iraq may sign a US$4.2–$5.0 billion