MOSCOW, March 22 (TASS) - Russia’s Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28N helicopters destroyed nine Ukrainian tanks and seven infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers last night, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said on Tuesday.

"Russian air defenses downed 14 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, including a Bayraktar TB2 drone. A group of ‘night hunters’ consisting of Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters destroyed nine Ukrainian tanks and seven infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers last night," he specified.

According to the Defense Ministry, the mission of army aircraft involved in Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine is to escort convoys, destroy armored vehicles, transport paratroopers, deliver military supplies and provide air support to troops taking part in the operation.

The Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ is a new generation helicopter designed to destroy tanks, armored and non-armored vehicles, manpower and helicopters in all weather conditions and at any time of the day. It is equipped with signature control devices, electronic warfare and active anti-jamming systems.

The Mi-28N is an attack helicopter equipped with the Ataka-V air-to-surface missile systems and the Strelets air-to-air systems. Mi-28N helicopters were actively engaged in the Russian Armed Forces’ operation in Syria.