Russia will supply seven Mi-35 and three Mi-17 helicopters to Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in his address to the nation following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Belgrade, TASS news agency reported.

“Serbia is satisfied with its military-technical cooperation with Russia. We have agreed to purchase seven Mi-35 and three Mi-17 helicopters,” he said.

The Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter delivers a more superior flight performance and maneuverability than its predecessor.

The production of Mi-35M started in 2005. The aircraft integrates modern, high-precision weaponry for destroying ground-based armored targets and providing air support for ground missions. It can be modified as an attack, ground assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or transport platform.

The Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force inventory. It is also operated by the armed forces of Venezuela, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Mali.

The Mil Mi-17 (NATO reporting name: Hip) is a Soviet/Russian helicopter in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service. It is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter. There are also armed gunship versions.

In October 2007, the Saudi Arabian Government cancelled the purchase of 64 NHIndustries NH90 helicopters and agreed to buy 150 Russian-made Mil Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters instead.

Other Arab operators for Mil Mi-8/17 include: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.