Russia and Pakistan sign defense deal for four Mi-35M helicopters

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Russia and Pakistan signed a contract in Rawalpindi to supply Russian Mil Mi-35M military-transport helicopters to Islamabad. The Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol - a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters.

"Representatives of the Defense Ministry of Pakistan and Rosoboronexport signed the document at the end of last week. These helicopters are expected to be used in anti-terrorism operations," a Russian defense industry source told Interfax Thursday.

The details of the deal were discussed during a visit to Russia by Pakistani Land Forces Commander General Raheel Sharif in June 2015.

The Russian Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the deal through a spokesman.

"The contract for four Mi-35M transport and attack helicopters was signed late last week," the spokesperson told RIA Novosti, as reported by Sputnik News.

In September 2014, Rosoboronexport's deputy director general, Sergey Goreslavsky, said Pakistan was seeking to purchase several Mi-35M helicopters to combat terrorism.

The Mi-24/25/35 helicopter is currently in use by the Brazilian, Russian, Venezuelan and Azerbaijani armed forces. It can transport up to eight paratroopers.