Mi17
Two Mi-17 transport helicopters and two Mi-35M attack helicopters belonging to the Rwandan Air Force were seen flying over Amahoro Stadium in the capital Kigali on Sunday 11 August for the inauguration of President Paul Kagame, who was sworn in for his fourth term. They were subsequently seen on at least one other occassion.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI’s) arms transfers database, Rwanda ordered four Mi-35Ms in 2019. These were spotted at Rostvertol in 2021 and delivered in 2022. Rwanda previously acquired six Mi-17s from Russia in 2014/2015.
Compared to the earlier Mi-24, the upgraded Mi-35M is far more capable. It features several improvements over its predecessors, such as new avionics with multifunction colour displays, more powerful Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines developing 2 200 shp, fibreglass main rotor blades, main rotor head with elastomeric joints, a new swashplate and X-type tail rotor. The Mi-35M’s fuselage has shortened stub wings and fixed landing gear. The helicopter’s sighting system has a thermal imager, TV camera and laser rangefinder and designator.
According to Russian Helicopters, weapons include Ataka-V or Shturm-V ant-tank missiles and Igla-V air-to-air missiles, 80 or 122 mm rockets and a GSh-231 23-mm twin-barrel cannon. In addition to weapons, the Mi-35M can carry up to eight personnel in its cabin or cargo weighing 1 500 kg while up to 2 400 kg can be carried on an external sling.
The helicopter’s self-protection suite includes a radar warning receiver, chaff & flare dispenser, infrared jammer and engine exhaust suppressor.
The new acquisitions bring the Rwandan military’s rotary wing fleet to 24 Mi-17s, seven Mi-24s and four Mi-35s. The Rwandan government also flies a single A109 and a single AW139 helicopter as well as a G550 business jet.
Some of Rwanda’s Mi-17s have been deployed with the United Nations in South Sudan (one crashed there in March 2019).
The only other aircraft in the Rwandan Air Force’s fleet are Cessna 208 Grand Caravan fixed wing aircraft – two were acquired from the United States in 2021. These were supplied through grand aid funding, with the US government providing 14 Grand Caravan EX aircraft to several countries in Africa, including Tunisia and Djibouti. ATI Engineering in 2020 was contracted to convert the two Grand Caravans for the Rwanda Defence Force under the US military’s African Partnership Flight initiative. They were fitted with secure HF and UHF radios, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) interior and exterior lighting, and a reconfigurable multi-mission interior featuring two ambulatory medical stretcher kits, 11 passenger seats, eight collapsible utility seats and a removable rollerball cargo floor.
Other relatively recent acquisitions by Rwanda, according to SIPRI, include three SH-1 122mm self-propelled guns from China (2018), 50 Red Arrow-9 anti-tank missiles from China in 2017/18, two RM-70 122 mm self-propelled guns from Slovakia (2019), 76 Cobra APCs from Turkey (2012-2017), and 53 Cobra 2 APCs from Turkey in 2021.
The Mi-35M Attack helicopter is operated by multiple countries including Russia, Nigeria, Mali, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan.
Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.
Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter offers a superior flight performance and manoeuvrability compared to its predecessor.
The production of Mi-35M started in 2005. The aircraft integrates modern, high-precision weaponry for destroying ground-based armoured targets and providing air support for ground missions. It can be modified as an attack, ground assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or transport platform.
Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force inventory. It is also operated by the armed forces of many countries including Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mali.
The helicopter was displayed at the Army-2021 international military and technical forum in Moscow, Russia, in August 2021.
MI-35M features
Based on the Mi-24 Hind, Mi-35M military helicopter incorporates several improvements, including shortened stub wings, a new rotor system, modern avionics, upgraded turboshaft engines and a hydraulic system. The cockpit and vital components of the helicopter are heavily armoured.
The helicopter has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m, and height of 6.5m. Its take-off weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.
Mi-35M military helicopter cockpit and avionics
The glass cockpit of the Mi-35M accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration. The night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit integrates multi-functional displays (MFDs), redundant flight controls, and state-of-the-art avionics.
The helicopter is equipped with an OPS-24N surveillance-and-sighting station, a television channel, a GPS-guided navigation system, and an optional non-Russian radio station.
Hind E armament
The chin-mounted turret can be installed with the twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon with 450 to 470 rounds of ammunition. The gun can fire 3,400 to 3,600 rounds a minute. The stub wings can carry a range of weapon systems, including anti-tank missiles, rocket pods/gun pods or fuel tanks.
The military helicopter can be armed with up to eight 9М114 or 9M120 Ataka-V SACLOS radio-guided anti-tank missiles, up to 80 ‘S-8’ 80mm unguided rockets, and 20 ‘S-13’ type 122mm unguided aircraft rockets.
Countermeasures of Mi-35M
The countermeasures suite of Mi-35M includes a radar warning receiver, a laser range finder and a location finder, chaff and flare launch system, infrared (IR) jamming system, and engine-exhaust IR suppressor.
Mi-35M helicopter engines and performance
The military helicopter is powered by two ТVЗ-117VМА or VK-2500 engines. Each engine develops a maximum power output of 2,200hp. The engines are designed to support high-altitude missions.
The helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 305km/h. Its operational altitude is 5,400m. The helicopter has a normal range of 460km and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km with full fuel load.
It can be deployed in combat missions in different geographies with high-temperature and high-altitude environments and features round-the-clock combat capabilities for conducting missions during day and night. It is also capable of operating from unprepared and poorly equipped airfields.
Mi-35M orders and deliveries
In 2005, Venezuela signed two contracts with Rosoboronexport for eight Mi-35M helicopters. The helicopters that were delivered to Venezuela were fitted with VK-2500 engines for high-altitude operations.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a $150m contract with Rosoboronexport for 12 Mi-35M helicopters in November 2008. The helicopters were manufactured by Rostvertol at its facility in Rostov-on-Don. The first three helicopters were delivered in December 2009.
The Brazilian Air Force started operating three Mi-35M helicopters in April 2010. The helicopters in FAB service are referred to as AH-2 Sabre. Nine helicopters were delivered by August 2012. The final helicopter was delivered in December 2014.
However, in February 2022, the Brazilian Air Force withdrew the entire fleet of Mi-35M from operations, citing high operating costs, inconvenient logistics and inadequate manufacturer support.
Azerbaijan signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the delivery of 24 Mi-35M helicopters in September 2010. By 2012, 12 helicopters were delivered and the rest were delivered in November 2013.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defence received the first delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters in November 2013. Four helicopters were delivered in July 2014 and the rest were delivered in October 2014.
Nigeria ordered 12 Mi-35M combat helicopters in 2015. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received two helicopters in December 2016, while two more helicopters were delivered in April 2018. Nigeria ordered additional 12 helicopters in October 2019.
Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase four Mi-35M helicopters from Russia in 2015. The helicopters were delivered in 2018.
Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Kazakhstan for the supply of four helicopters in January 2017. Kazakhstan ordered four additional Mi-35M helicopters in May 2018. It received a batch of four helicopters in June 2020.
The Republic of Mali received two helicopters from Rosoboronexport in October 2017.
Russia and Uzbekistan signed a contract for the delivery of 12 Mi-35M helicopters in March 2018. Uzbekistan received the first helicopter in 2021.
Belarus signed a contract for four Mi-35M helicopters at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia in August 2020.
The Mi-35M Attack helicopter is operated by multiple countries including Russia, Nigeria, Mali, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan and Rwanda now.
Over view and specifications!
Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.
Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter offers a superior flight performance and manoeuvrability compared to its predecessor.
Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force inventory. It is also operated by the armed forces of many countries including Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mali.
The helicopter was displayed at the Army-2021 international military and technical forum in Moscow, Russia, in August 2021.
MI-35M features
Based on the Mi-24 Hind, Mi-35M military helicopter incorporates several improvements, including shortened stub wings, a new rotor system, modern avionics, upgraded turboshaft engines and a hydraulic system. The cockpit and vital components of the helicopter are heavily armoured.
The helicopter has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m, and height of 6.5m. Its take-off weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.
Mi-35M military helicopter cockpit and avionics
The glass cockpit of the Mi-35M accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration. The night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible cockpit integrates multi-functional displays (MFDs), redundant flight controls, and state-of-the-art avionics.
The helicopter is equipped with an OPS-24N surveillance-and-sighting station, a television channel, a GPS-guided navigation system, and an optional non-Russian radio station.
Hind E armament
The chin-mounted turret can be installed with the twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon with 450 to 470 rounds of ammunition. The gun can fire 3,400 to 3,600 rounds a minute. The stub wings can carry a range of weapon systems, including anti-tank missiles, rocket pods/gun pods or fuel tanks.
The military helicopter can be armed with up to eight 9М114 or 9M120 Ataka-V SACLOS radio-guided anti-tank missiles, up to 80 ‘S-8’ 80mm unguided rockets, and 20 ‘S-13’ type 122mm unguided aircraft rockets.
Countermeasures of Mi-35M
The countermeasures suite of Mi-35M includes a radar warning receiver, a laser range finder and a location finder, chaff and flare launch system, infrared (IR) jamming system, and engine-exhaust IR suppressor.
Mi-35M helicopter engines and performance
The military helicopter is powered by two ТVЗ-117VМА or VK-2500 engines. Each engine develops a maximum power output of 2,200hp. The engines are designed to support high-altitude missions.
The helicopter can fly at a maximum speed of 305km/h. Its operational altitude is 5,400m. The helicopter has a normal range of 460km and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km with full fuel load.
It can be deployed in combat missions in different geographies with high-temperature and high-altitude environments and features round-the-clock combat capabilities for conducting missions during day and night. It is also capable of operating from unprepared and poorly equipped airfields.
Mi-35M orders and deliveries
In 2005, Venezuela signed two contracts with Rosoboronexport for eight Mi-35M helicopters. The helicopters that were delivered to Venezuela were fitted with VK-2500 engines for high-altitude operations.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a $150m contract with Rosoboronexport for 12 Mi-35M helicopters in November 2008. The helicopters were manufactured by Rostvertol at its facility in Rostov-on-Don. The first three helicopters were delivered in December 2009.
The Brazilian Air Force started operating three Mi-35M helicopters in April 2010. The helicopters in FAB service are referred to as AH-2 Sabre. Nine helicopters were delivered by August 2012. The final helicopter was delivered in December 2014.
However, in February 2022, the Brazilian Air Force withdrew the entire fleet of Mi-35M from operations, citing high operating costs, inconvenient logistics and inadequate manufacturer support.
Azerbaijan signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the delivery of 24 Mi-35M helicopters in September 2010. By 2012, 12 helicopters were delivered and the rest were delivered in November 2013.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defence received the first delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters in November 2013. Four helicopters were delivered in July 2014 and the rest were delivered in October 2014.Iraq also operates up to 40 Mi-17.
It operates a fleet of around 30 to 40 Russian Mi-17 [known to NATO as “Hip”] helicopters, acquired over multiple phases. The first installment of Mi-17s arrived in the early 2000s, soon after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
However,On September 5, 2024, Iraq signed a landmark deal with Airbus to acquire 12 new H225M helicopters, alongside two refurbished units. These versatile helicopters are set to join the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, stepping in to replace the aging Mi-17 helicopters. The reasons for this replace;
The move to replace the Mi-17 fleet with French Airbus H225M helicopters comes down to several key factors. Chief among them is the difficulty in obtaining spare parts for the Russian helicopters, a problem exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
Moreover, the Mi-17s, although highly effective in past missions, are now seen as technically outdated compared to newer, more advanced helicopters like the H225M. The French helicopters boast superior avionics, greater payload capacity, and a broader range of mission capabilities, from search and rescue to combat support and special operations.
By shifting to the H225M, Iraq aims to modernize its military aviation capabilities while reducing its dependency on Russian military technology. The Airbus helicopters are not only more versatile but are also better suited to meet Iraq’s current security needs thanks to their broad mission capabilities.
Moreover, the H225M benefits from European suppliers, ensuring more reliable access to parts and service contracts. This translates to higher operational readiness without the supply chain disruptions often seen with the Mi-17 fleet.
Nigeria ordered 12 Mi-35M combat helicopters in 2015. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received two helicopters in December 2016, while two more helicopters were delivered in April 2018. Nigeria ordered additional 12 helicopters in October 2019.
Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase four Mi-35M helicopters from Russia in 2015. The helicopters were delivered in 2018.
Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Kazakhstan for the supply of four helicopters in January 2017. Kazakhstan ordered four additional Mi-35M helicopters in May 2018. It received a batch of four helicopters in June 2020.
The Republic of Mali received two helicopters from Rosoboronexport in October 2017.
Russia and Uzbekistan signed a contract for the delivery of 12 Mi-35M helicopters in March 2018. Uzbekistan received the first helicopter in 2021.
Belarus signed a contract for four Mi-35M helicopters at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum in Russia in August 2020.
