6-Sep-2012 Source: HeliHub.com
Russia has delivered the next batch of Mi-35M Hind attack helicopters to Brazil, whre they are known locally as the AH-2 Sabre. A total of 12 helicopters were bought in a 2008 contract worth $150 million, and the last three are due for delivery by the end of 2012.
“The latest three machines were delivered on August 29,†said Igor Korotchenko, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade. The Mi-35M is the key export variant of the Mi-24 Hind gunship helicopter. Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico have in the past reported that the Mi-35s would be used in the Amazon region, flying in conjunction with Brazil’s Embraer land and ground surveillance jets. This area, bordering Venezuela and Colombia, is a prime location for drug trafficking.
William P Johnson – HeliHub.com US correspondent