Russian Helicopters seeks Mi-35P exports in Africa

Russian Helicopters (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is seeking to export its modernised Mil Mi-35P attack helicopters to African nations with a showcase at the Russia-Africa Economic Forum.

The forum was held in Sochi, located on the Black Sea coast, on October 23-24, with the Mi-35P appearing alongside Ansat and Mi-171A2 civilian helicopters, both of which Russian Helicopters are also looking to potentially export.

Mi-35P [Rostec]
A Mil Mi-35P in flight. Rostec State Corporation

More than 250 Mil Mi-24/Mi-35 attack helicopters are operated by nations across the African continent [sounds like a lot! Maybe add that that’s a figure from the company], with the Mi-35P being the latest modernised variant of the famed 'Hind' on the export market today. 

The Mi-35P attack helicopter, which is produced by Rostvertol – a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters – is the export name of the Mi-24P 'Hind-F'. The company boasts that with the aircraft's new engines, navigation and sighting systems, improved flight control, medevac/transport modifications and increased armament capacity, the Mi-35P can accommodate the needs of potential buyers – targeting existing Mi-24 operators on the African continent.

Andrey Boginsky, director general of Russian Helicopters holding company, said: "Over 900 helicopters made by Russian Helicopters' enterprises are registered in African countries. This is almost one in four helicopters on the continent, and the share of our military rotorcraft is almost 40%. This certainly provides for huge potential for cooperation in servicing, modernizing and renovating the fleet... This is the evolution of the Mi-24/35 family which proved to be very effective in Africa."

Mi-35P 2 [Rostec]
Making waves: A Mi-35P, sporting a digital camouflaged scheme, hovers over water. Rostec State Corporation