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[image: Watch: Latest addition to Pakistan Army’s arsenal]
ISLAMABAD: Earlier this month, *Quwalink>*reportedthat the Pakistan Army Aviation (PAA) had begun receiving the Russianbuilt-Mi-35M attack helicopters. The purchase of four attack helicopters,costing $153 million, may not seem enough but it symbolises Pakistan’sdesire to maintain a robust arsenal and avoid reliance on a single sourcefor arms imports.
Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan, in an interview to Russia’s *Sputniklink>*expressedfurther interest in purchasing more Russian military hardware.
The Mi-35M is an advanced version of the legendary Mi-24V helicopter andhas been in production by Rostvertol since 2005. Powered by two VK-2500turbo shaft engines, the gunship can travel at a maximum speed of 310 km/hwith a maximum take-off weight of 11,500 kg. It also has a range of 450kilometres.
The gunship is equipped with advanced avionics, multi-function colourdispays, fiberglass rotor blades, thermal imaging sight systems and a fixedlanding gear that helps absorb some of the shock from emergency landings.Some of these features also imbue it with increased maneuverability.
Armaments:
Nicknamed the ‘Flying-tank’ because of its sturdy build and armour, thegunship can carry a vast array of weapons depending on the mission. It canbe armed on 16-hard points with guided/ unguided rockets,anti-tank missiles for targeting armoured units and anti-aircraft missilesfor aerial engagements. A 23 mm twin-barreled gun is also installed infront of the Mi-35M.
Improved sensor package also allows the pilot to fly the aircraft duringday or night in varying weather conditions. It is also capable of flyingover mountainous terrain due to its ability to fly at high altitudes, whichmakes it ideal for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations.
In terms of defences, it can be eqquiped with a radar-warning receiver, anInfra-red jamming system, a chaff/ flare dispenser and an engine-exhaust IRsuppressor.
Perhaps the most unique ability of the Mi-35M is that it also has atransport cabin that can carry eight fully-armed paratroopers which makesit ideal for inserting special forces units behind enemy lines. The gunshipcan also ferry small-arms ammunition or perform medical evacuations.Attaching an external sling on the chopper can increase its weight carryingcapacity to 2400 kg. Such features can allow the Pakistan Army to insertSpecial Services Group (SSG) troops at elevated, inaccessible locations orbehind enemy lines and then provide air cover.
The Mi-35M, across its developmental history, has experienced combat invarying regions of the world, including most recently, the Syrian Civil War.
At $ 153 million dollars, the relatively in-expensive deal can potentiallyallow the Pakistan Army to purchase more of the aircraft in batches.