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Russia completed the delivery of new Mil Mi-35M attack helicopters to equip the Belarusian Air Force
- Core Insights Advisory Services
- May 31
- 2 min read
Source: Zona Miltar
Date: May 30, 2025
As part of technical cooperation agreements, Russia has completed a new delivery of military equipment to the Armed Forces of Belarus. Specifically, this involved the supply of a new batch of Mil Mi-35M attack and transport helicopters for the Belarusian Air Force, which follows the recent arrival of new Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighter-bombers reported a few days ago.
Currently, and being one of Russia’s closest and main allies, the inventory of the Belarusian Armed Forces consists primarily of Russian/Soviet-origin platforms. In terms of rotary-wing aviation, the fleet includes Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-26 transport helicopters, which are complemented in similar roles and attack missions by Mil Mi-24V and Mi-24P models.
However, despite limited public reporting, the country’s Ministry of Defense has procured new batches of attack helicopters derived from the Mi-24 family. As reported last year, the Belarusian Air Force began incorporating newly acquired Mil Mi-35M helicopters from Russia with the reception of four units in April.
Subsequently, and as reported today, May 30, this number has increased with the arrival and incorporation of a new group of aircraft, according to the country’s defense ministry.
Through its official Telegram channel, the Ministry of Defense announced: “New Mi-35M combat and transport helicopters have arrived in Belarus as part of military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation,” adding, “The Mi-35 is a deep modernization of the Mi-24 helicopter. Today, the helicopter is capable of performing the full range of combat missions…”
Meanwhile, the Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Troops of Belarus, Sergey Frolov, stated that the new aircraft would soon be integrated into operational service.
Lastly, regarding the features and capabilities of the Mil Mi-35M, it represents one of the most modern variants of the prolific Mi-24 Hind helicopter family, incorporating a new suite of upgrades such as modernized avionics, compatibility with night vision systems, and advanced navigation and electronic countermeasure systems.
In terms of weaponry, it stands out for its compatibility with new 9M120 Ataka missiles and Igla anti-aircraft missiles, as well as the installation of the twin-barrel 23 mm GSh-23-2 cannon, which replaces the 12.7 mm machine gun used in earlier versions.