Russia to Complete Helicopter Gunship Deal to Brazil in 2012

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Russia to Complete Helicopter Gunship Deal to Brazil in 2012

MOSCOW, September 3 (RIA Novosti)

Russia has delivered the next batch of Mi-35M Hind E attack helicopters to Brazil and will complete the contract by the end of the year, a military trade think tank said on Monday.

A total of 12 helicopters are to be delivered under a 2008 contract worth $150 million.

"The latest three machines were delivered on August 29," said Igor Korotchenko, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade.

"Brazil will receive the remaining three helicopters before the end of the year and the 2008 contract will be completed."

The Mi-35M is an export version of the Mi-24 Hind that was used extensively in Afghanistan. The Mi-24/35 is unique among dedicated attack helicopters insofar as it can carry a load of troops, in addition to performing its offensive role.

The Sao Paulo-based newspaper Valor Economico previously reported that the Mi-35s would be used in the Amazon region, in conjunction with Brazil's Embraer land and ground surveillance jets.

The Amazon region borders both Venezuela and Colombia, and is a prime location for transnational narco-terrorists and drug traffickers.

http://en.ria.ru/mlitary_news/20120903/175745039.html