Pakistan signs deal with Russia to purchase four MI-35 helicopters

Pakistan and Russia marked a milestone guard bargain that incorporates the offer of four Mi-35 ‘Rear E’ assault helicopters to Pakistan.

Pakistan on Wednesday signed a deal with Russia to purchase four MI-35 helicopters. Sources revealed that the agreement was signed by top defence officials from both countries in Rawalpindi.

“The agreement was signed by top defence officials from Pakistan and Russia in Rawalpindi on Wednesday,” Dawn referred to a military source as saying.

Both nations were arranging the arrangement for as long as year, flagging a noteworthy defrost in relations between the two Cold War rivals.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif went by Russia in June, after which a draft contract for the conveyance of four Mi-35M battle helicopters was sent to Pakistan from Russia.

General Raheel Sharif spent around 15 hours at an arms expo which included Russia’s front line weapons and military hardware.

Toward the end of last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu attempted a visit to Pakistan to talk about two-sided protection collaboration with the Pakistani initiative.

The CEO of Russia’s Rostec company, Sergey Chemezov, had likewise said Russia had lifted its ban on conveyance of military equipment and combat hardware to Pakistan and arrangements were being hung on conveying helicopters.

Pakistan currently has a number of ‘Mi-17′ helicopters delivered by the US to assist in the fight against militancy.

The Mi-35 helicopter is an exceedingly modernised version of the Mi-24 combat helicopter with new onboard equipment and avionics. It also has a more powerful engine and a different tail rotor.

Pakistan and Russia signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military-to-military relations in November last year.

Information about MI-35 helicopters

General Information

The multirole Mi-35M attack helicopter is a comprehensive modernisation of the Mi-24V. The Mi-35M was developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, and has been series produced at Rostvertol since 2005.

The Mi-35M offers round the clock:

Combat use of guided and unguided weapons in regular and challenging climate conditions;
Operational for attack flights at altitudes of 10-25 m daytime and 50 m at night over land or water.

For round-the-clock combat use, the Mi-35M is equipped with the latest navigation and avionics suite with multifunction coloured displays, target sights system that includes a thermal imager and TV channels, laser range finder and location finder.

The Mi-35M is distinguished by its improved construction. It is equipped with the latest Klimov-produced powerful VK-2500 turboshaft engines, fibreglass main rotor blades, main rotor head with elastomeric joints, a new swashplate and X-type tail rotor. The Mi-35M’s fuselage boasts shortened stub wings and fixed landing gear.

The Mi-35M boasts enhanced flight capabilities, and can be operated at high temperatures and in mountainous terrain. The Mi-35M’s design ensures low noise levels, greater combat resilience, and reduces the workload on maintenance staff.

In addition to its attack capabilities, the Mi-35M can also be used in other operations:

Landing-transporting up to 8 paratroopers, with equipment, in the transport cabin;
Transporting military supplies or other cargo weighing up to 1,500 kg internally. The Mi-35M is also fitted with an external sling system, expanding its cargo carrying capacity to 2,400 kg.
Medical uses include carrying the sick and injured along with medical personnel.

Mi-24/25/35 helicopters have proved their high levels of operational efficiency over many years in service. The Mi-35M combines this unique experience of combat operation with the latest achievements and developments in helicopter building.

The Mi-35 is operated by the Armed Forces of Russia, Venezuela, Brazil and Azerbaijan.

Performance
Engine ТVЗ-117VМА or VК-2500	2×2 200 h. p.
Take-off weight:
normal	10,900 kg
maximum	11,500 kg
Take-off weight in ferry configuration	12,000 kg
Payload	2,400 kg
Empty weight	8,354 kg
Speed	.
maximum	310 km/h
cruise	260 km/h
Ceiling
hovering	3,150 m
operational	5,400 m
Range
normal	up to 460 km
ferry	up to 1,000 km
Crew	2 members
Primary weapons:
missiles 9 М114, 9 М120, 9 М120Ф — up to 8 pcs;
80-mm rockets of S-8 type — up to 80 pcs;
122-mm rockets of S-13 type — up to 20 pcs;
Gun pod with double tube gun of cal. 23 mm, 2 containers, built-in movable gun system with gun of cal. 23 mm, 450–470 cartridges.
Additional options:
observation-sight system OPS-24N;
optional non-Russian radio station;	.
modern avionics;	.
lighting equipment compatible with NVG;	.
upgraded main rotor;	.
X-shaped tail rotor;	.
non-retractable landing gear;	.
upgraded hydraulic system;	.
upgraded ATGM complex;	.
wing in-built cargo lift system.	.
Self-defense suite:
radar warning receiver;
chaff & flare dispenser;
IR jamming system;
engine-exhaust IR suppressor;
multiple redundancy of the helicopter main systems;
efficient armoring of the cockpit and vitally important helicopter systems.