Pakistani official mentions possible helicopter deal with Russia

In an interview with the state-owned Radio Pakistan, the Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, stated that a ‘military helicopter’ deal with Russia is to be concluded ‘soon.’

Notes & Comments:

It is not clear if Mr. Zakaria was referring to the existing order of four Mi-35s, which are scheduled to be delivered to the Pakistan Army in 2017, or a follow-on order of Mi-35s (or other helicopters).

Pakistan does operate many Mi-17/171 transport helicopters (46 as per Flight Global) and the Army had reportedly expressed interest in the Mi-28NE dedicated attack helicopter (IHS Jane’s).

Additional Mi-171 and/or Mi-35 orders are plausible, especially since the Army had reportedly expressed interest (to IHS Jane’s) in procuring a total of up to 20 Mi-35s.

Bilal Khan Founder

Founder of Quwa, Bilal has been researching Pakistani defence industry and security issues for over 15 years. His work has been cited by Pakistan's National Defence University (NDU), the Council of Foreign Relations, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Centre of Airpower Studies and many others. He has a Hons. B.A in Political Science and Masters of Interntional Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

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