Pakistan to procure Russian-built Mi-35 Helicopters to combat drug trafficking

Pakistan is planning to procure Mi-35 combat helicopters from Russia, in a bid to combat drug trafficking.

Rostec Corporation Deputy Director General Igor O. Sevastyanov was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying that the country is currently holding consultations.

"We are talking about Mi-35 helicopters, we plan to supply them at the request of the Pakistani anti-drug trafficking agency," Sevastyanov added.

Earlier, Rostec Corporation head Sergei Chemezov noted that provisions of military gear to Pakistan are set to restart, which also include Mi-35 helicopters.

The MI-35 attack helicopters, an exported variant of MI-24, have earlier been delivered to Iraq, as part of a $4.3bn package deal on military technical cooperation in 2012.

Powered by two Isotov TV3-117VMA turboshaft engines, developing 2,200shp each, the Mi-35 is an upgraded version of the Mi-24, which integrates night-vision goggles (NVGs), a new countermeasures system, and a turret-mounted IRTV-445MGH thermal imaging system.

Further, the air intakes are equipped with deflectors and separators to avoid dust particle ingestion when taking off from unsuspecting sites.

Designed for targeting armoured vehicles, the helicopter also features 30mm grenade launcher and several bombs weighing 50kg to 500kg and a GPS115L Garmin satellite navigation system, while combining high firepower with troop transport capability.

Capable of carrying the longer-range Ataka anti-tank missile system (Nato designation AT-9), the helicopters are equipped with four underwing pylons for up to 12 anti-tank missiles.

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