Recently there was an agreement between Russia and Pakistan for the purchase of MI-35 helicopters. This happened after the visit of the Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif in 2015. After his visit, a draft was sent to Pakistan to finalize the contract of Pakistan-Russian MI-35 deal of helicopters. The draft also contained a contract of SU-35 fighter jets. Pakistan already has many MI-17 helicopters which were given by the US, and an addition of the MI-35 helicopter Pakistan in the fleet would make a big difference.
Features of an MI-35 Helicopter:
The MI-35 is a Russian helicopter and is a modernization of the Mi-24. The main features of this helicopter are as follows:
- It can be used in different weather conditions for the guided and unguided weapons.
- Helps in attack flights with altitudes of 10-25m in the day time and around 50 m at night.
- Carries equipment in the transport cabin and can transport around 8 paratroopers.
- Can carry military equipment up to 1500 kg.
- Is equipped with powerful engines of VK-2500, X-type tail rotor, fiberglass main rotor blades, new swashplate, and rotor head with elastomeric joints, and fuselage boasts with fixed landing gear and stub wings.
The MI-35 sale to Pakistan is of the export version of these Russian helicopters. This version contains many improvements over the previous MI-24 version. This helicopter is said to be a part of the ‘Hind’ series because of the Hind-E feature that is called as ‘flying tank’. The main parts including the cockpit are protected by titanium armor. The earlier version had a 3-blade rotor, which is now replaced by an X-shaped tail rotor. This new rotor is more powerful and has a good aerodynamic profile. In spite of having short stub wings, it has a good ability to carry heavy equipment including missiles and rockets. Because of the improved sensor package, the ability to carry out combat operations in different climatic conditions has also become better.
MI-35 helicopter and its importance for Pakistan:
The Russian helicopter for Pakistan will prove to be a perfect choice for Pakistan as it is equipped with the latest technology and is considered as one of the most powerful combat helicopters. It has an ability of Hind-E, through which it can be used to take the SSG personnel to great heights in even severe climatic conditions. From dominating heights, these helicopters can provide surveillance to the army and give coverage according to the area under operation.
These MI-35 helicopters are most likely to replace the old fleet of the U.S helicopters which have now become obsolete. The main feature of these helicopters is the ‘round the clock’ performance in extreme weather conditions and mountainous regions. The MI-35 sale to Pakistan will make a big difference to the fleet of helicopters of Pakistan as the helicopters can carry and transport heavy equipment over long distances and up to great heights. It is said that the Pakistan-Russian MI-35 deal will benefit Pakistan in the long run.
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