Shifting Gears: Pakistan’s Reported Pursuit of More Mi-35M Helicopters Amidst Z-10ME and T129 ATAC Buzz
News circulating on various Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) platforms on May 31, 2025, suggests that Pakistan is poised to acquire additional Mi-35M attack helicopters from Russia. This development comes as a surprise to many observers who have been closely following Pakistan’s long-standing quest for a modern attack helicopter fleet, particularly the highly anticipated Chinese Z-10ME and the previously sought-after Turkish T129 ATAK. The reported decision to bolster its existing Mi-35M fleet, while seemingly counter-intuitive to some, holds significant strategic and economic rationale for Pakistan.
The Long Road to a Modern Attack Helicopter Fleet
For years, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC) has been looking to modernize its attack helicopter capabilities. Its fleet of aging AH-1F/S Cobra helicopters, while having served valiantly, are increasingly obsolete against modern threats.
- The T129 ATAK Saga: Pakistan’s first major attempt at acquiring modern attack helicopters involved a deal for 30 T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey in 2018. However, this deal famously fell through due to U.S. refusal to grant export licenses for the LHTEC T800-4A engines (a joint venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce) that power the T129. This underscored Pakistan’s vulnerability to geopolitical pressures when sourcing Western defense equipment.
- The Rise of the Z-10ME: Following the ATAK setback, Pakistan turned to its long-standing ally, China, for the Z-10ME. There have been reports of Pakistan receiving initial batches of the Z-10ME, and discussions about expanding this fleet, potentially even with local assembly. The Z-10ME is a potent, purpose-built attack helicopter designed for modern combat environments.
Given these developments, the reported decision to acquire more Mi-35M helicopters, rather than solely focusing on the Z-10ME as a primary replacement for the Cobras, has raised eyebrows. However, Pakistan’s previous acquisition of four Mi-35Ms from Russia in 2017-2018 provides a crucial context.
Why the Mi-35M Now? Pragmatism Over Prowess (Alone)
While the Z-10ME and T129 ATAK are dedicated attack helicopters, the Mi-35M (NATO reporting name: Hind-E) is a highly modernized version of the legendary Mi-24 “Hind” gunship, renowned for its unique combination of attack and limited transport capabilities. Pakistan’s decision to potentially expand its Mi-35M fleet is likely driven by a combination of strategic and economic advantages:
- Existing Infrastructure and Familiarity:
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Pakistan already operates the Mi-35M. This means that infrastructure for maintenance, spare parts, and logistics is already established. Expanding the fleet significantly reduces the initial investment in setting up a new support system, unlike introducing an entirely new platform like the Z-10ME (though that process is now underway).
- Trained Personnel: Pilots, ground crews, and technicians are already familiar with the Mi-35M’s operation and maintenance. This translates to faster integration of new units and minimizes the need for extensive new training programs, saving both time and resources.
- Commonality of Weaponry: The Mi-35M utilizes Russian-standard weaponry, some of which may overlap with other Russian-origin systems in Pakistan’s inventory, further simplifying logistics.
- More Effective than the Aging AH-1 Cobra:
- Modernization: The Mi-35M is a comprehensive upgrade over the Mi-24V. It features improved avionics, including a night-vision compatible cockpit with Multi-Functional Displays (MFDs), and an updated sensor package for all-weather, day-night operations. The AH-1F/S Cobras in Pakistan’s fleet are significantly older, lacking these modern capabilities.
- Armament: The Mi-35M boasts a formidable array of weaponry, including a chin-mounted twin-barrel GSh-23V 23mm cannon, and stub wings capable of carrying a wide range of unguided rockets (like S-8 and S-13) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) such as the 9M120 Ataka-V. The Ataka has a range of up to 8 kilometers, offering superior stand-off capability compared to the older TOW missiles on Pakistan’s Cobras.
- Survivability: The Mi-35M retains the “flying tank” moniker of its predecessors, with heavy armor protection for its cockpit and vital components, offering greater resilience to ground fire than the more lightly armored Cobra variants.
- Performance: Improved turboshaft engines (TV3-117VMA or VK-2500) provide better performance, especially in hot and high-altitude conditions, crucial for Pakistan’s diverse operational terrains including its tribal areas and mountainous regions.
- Dual Role: While primarily an attack helicopter, its ability to carry up to eight troops or 2,400kg of cargo internally provides a unique tactical flexibility that dedicated attack helicopters like the Cobra (or Z-10ME) lack.
Role in Counter-Terrorism Operations: The “Flying BMP”
The Mi-35M’s robust design and unique capabilities make it particularly well-suited for Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations, especially in rugged and remote terrain.
- Combined Firepower and Transport: The Mi-35M can insert small teams of Special Service Group (SSG) personnel directly into hot zones, provide immediate heavy fire support, and then extract them. This rapid “fire and maneuver” capability is invaluable in anti-insurgency operations where speed and overwhelming firepower can disrupt militant activities.
- Close Air Support (CAS): Its heavy armament, including rockets and the powerful 23mm cannon, makes it an excellent platform for providing precise and devastating close air support to ground troops engaged in firefights. Its armor also allows it to loiter longer and absorb more punishment in contested environments.
- All-Weather, Day/Night Operations: The Mi-35M’s modern avionics and sensor suite enable it to operate effectively around the clock and in various weather conditions, denying militants safe haven under cover of darkness or poor visibility.
- High-Altitude Performance: Its upgraded engines and robust airframe are well-suited for operations in Pakistan’s western border regions, which often involve challenging mountainous terrain and high altitudes.
Role in Full-Scale War: Complementing the Fleet
In a full-scale conventional conflict, the Mi-35M would complement Pakistan’s existing and incoming attack helicopter assets.
- Anti-Tank Warfare: Equipped with Ataka ATGMs, the Mi-35M can engage enemy armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, at significant ranges. While not as specialized for anti-armor roles as some dedicated attack helicopters, its capabilities are substantial.
- Air Interdiction: It can be used to interdict enemy supply lines, destroy tactical positions, and provide general area denial.
- Battlefield Mobility and Firepower: Its ability to rapidly deploy small forces while providing heavy fire support could be crucial in disrupting enemy advances or protecting friendly flanks.
- Redundancy and Diversity: Having a mix of attack helicopter types (Mi-35M, Z-10ME, and perhaps even some upgraded Cobras) provides Pakistan with operational flexibility and reduces reliance on a single platform, making its helicopter arm more resilient to specific threats or supply chain disruptions. The Mi-35M, with its “flying tank” characteristics, offers a distinct operational philosophy compared to sleeker, more agile attack helicopters.
Geopolitical Dimensions and Future Outlook
The continued acquisition of Russian military hardware by Pakistan also has geopolitical implications. It signifies a continued diversification of defense partners, allowing Pakistan to reduce its dependence on any single country, particularly the United States, which has often imposed conditions on arms sales. This diversification strengthens Pakistan’s strategic autonomy and its ties with Russia, a relationship that has seen increased military cooperation in recent years.
While the Z-10ME likely represents the long-term future of Pakistan’s dedicated attack helicopter fleet, the reported acquisition of additional Mi-35Ms is a pragmatic and cost-effective move. It allows Pakistan to rapidly enhance its immediate capabilities, leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise, while providing a robust platform proven in challenging environments. This strategic decision highlights Pakistan’s focus on meeting its current security challenges, particularly in counter-terrorism, and maintaining a credible deterrent in a complex regional security landscape. The “flying tank” continues to be a relevant and valuable asset for Pakistan’s armed forces.
