Attack Helicopter
Mil Mi-35M
The Mil Mi-35M is a Russian attack and assault helicopter developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and built by Rostvertol in Rostov-on-Don. The export version of the Mi-24VM, it entered Russian service around 2009 and combines a gunship with room for eight troops.
Russia|Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant / RostvertolOverview
The Mi-24 design dates to the 1960s, and the Mi-35M is a major rebuild with a new composite rotor, fixed landing gear, new cockpit and modern sensors. It first flew in 2005 and entered Russian service around 2009. Two Klimov TV3-117VMA turboshafts of about 2,200 hp each give a top speed near 300 km/h and a range about 450 km without drop tanks. Armament is a 23 mm nose gun and four pylon stations for 9M120 Ataka or 9K114 Shturm missiles, rockets and bombs, plus an optoelectronic turret.
Operators include Russia, Brazil with 12 AH-2 Sabre helicopters, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Nigeria, Mali, Kazakhstan, Pakistan with 4 delivered in 2017, Belarus and Egypt, which received Mi-35s in 2020. Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters have been widely used by Russia in Syria and Ukraine, where losses are documented, and by Nigeria and Iraq against militants. Production at Rostvertol continues in small numbers, mainly for export. Export cost has been cited around 15 to 20 million US dollars in press reports, not an official list price.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Mi-35M is the modernised export gunship with a new rotor and cockpit.
The Mi-35P is an older version of the Mi-24 family operated by Egypt.
The Mi-35M2 is an upgrade of the modernised variant.
Operators
Russia
Brazil
Venezuela
Azerbaijan
Iraq
Nigeria
Mali
Kazakhstan
Egypt
Pakistan
BelarusFrequently Asked Questions
How much does the Mi-35M cost?
The Mil Mi-35M has been cited at around 15 to 20 million US dollars for export in press reports. That is not an official list price.
How fast is the Mi-35M?
The Mil Mi-35M has a maximum speed of about 300 km/h and a range of about 450 km without drop tanks. Sources vary on both figures.
Which countries use the Mi-35M?
The Mil Mi-35 is used by Russia, Brazil, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Nigeria, Mali, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Belarus and Egypt. Algeria uses older Mi-24 and Mi-35 variants.
Mi-35 vs Ka-52: which is better?
The Mil Mi-35M can carry up to eight troops as well as weapons, while the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is a dedicated attack helicopter with coaxial rotors. The Mi-35M suits countries that want a gunship with troop space.
Mi-35 vs T129 ATAK: what is the difference?
The Mil Mi-35M is a heavier gunship at about 11,500 kg that can carry troops, while the TUSAŞ T129 ATAK is a dedicated attack helicopter. The T129 has partly taken over similar missions for Türkiye.
Which Arab countries have the Mi-35?
Iraq and Egypt operate Mil Mi-35 helicopters, with Iraq receiving the Mi-35M in 2014 and Egypt receiving Mi-35s in 2020. Algeria uses older Mi-24 and Mi-35 variants.