Kazakhastan has signed a contract with Russia to get Mil Mi-35M combat helicopters from Russia.
In 2016, Kazakhstan got four Mi-35 with the other four to be delivered in 2018.
Kazakhastan withdrew all its Mi-24 helicopters from service, making the Mi-35 extremely essential to the Kazakhstan Air Defence Forces’ operations.
The recent announcement comes after Kazakhstan ordered another batch of Sukhoi Su-30SM multirole fighters from Russia during the KADEX 2018 defence exhibition in Astana.
Based on the Mi-24 Hind, the Mi-35M 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 significantly armoured.
The Mi-35M has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m and height of 6.5m. Its takeoff weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.
