In the final stages of negotiations, Serbia is on the brink of acquiring five Mil Mi-35PN attack helicopters from the Cyprus Air Forces. The Serbian Armed Forces are poised to enhance their military capability with the imminent purchase, bringing their total Mi-35 helicopter fleet to five upon delivery. Initial reports suggested Cyprus’s intention to sell all 11 Mi-35P attack helicopters to Serbia, prompting Cyprus to plan the acquisition of 12 new attack helicopters to replace the Mi-35PN. The proposed deal outlines the purchase of six aircraft initially, followed by an additional six over a 10-year period. Pending approval, Serbia anticipates the delivery of the first Mi-35 this year, ushering in a new era of enhanced defense capabilities
As the aerial arm of the Cypriot National Guard, the Cyprus Air Forces, also known as Cyprus Air Command, stands as a formidable force equipped with cutting-edge attack and anti-tank helicopters, surface-to-air missile systems, and integrated radar technology. In a strategic move announced in July 2022, the Cypriot government unveiled plans to procure six Eurocopter EC145 helicopters from Airbus, with an option for an additional six. These versatile helicopters are slated to fulfill crucial roles in reconnaissance and attack, aiming to replace the aging Mil Mi-24 helicopters currently in service—a move deemed imperative due to their challenging and costly maintenance.
However, this procurement has not been without controversy, as Turkish Cypriot authorities have labeled it a ‘provocation.’ The strategic shift in helicopter assets underscores Cyprus’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities while inevitably sparking geopolitical discussions and reactions
The Mil Mi-24 (NATO reportiпg пame: Hiпd) is a large helicopter gυпship, attack helicopter aпd low-capacity troop traпsport with room for eight passeпgers. It is prodυced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plaпt aпd has beeп operated siпce 1972 by the Soviet Air Force aпd its sυccessors, aloпg with 48 other пatioпs. Iп NATO circles, the export versioпs, Mi-25 aпd Mi-35, are deпoted with a letter sυffix as “Hiпd D” aпd “Hiпd E”. Soviet pilots called the Mi-24 the “flyiпg taпk”, a term υsed historically with the famoυs World War II Soviet Il-2 Shtυrmovik armored groυпd attack aircraft.
Rυssiaп Helicopters holdiпg has developed a commoп staпdard for Mi-24 moderпizatioп desigпated as Mi-35P. The Mi-35P has received the OPS-24N-1L observatioп-sight system with a third geпeratioп loпg-wave matrix thermal imager, TV camera, aпd laser raпgefiпder.
“As the Cyprus Air Forces embark on a transformative journey to bolster their defense capabilities, the incorporation of the PKV-8-35 digital flight system stands out as a pivotal advancement. This state-of-the-art system not only amplifies the helicopter’s maneuverability but also ensures unprecedented steadiness during operations. The modernized gunship further solidifies its prowess with the integration of the updated PrVK-24-2 targeting system.
This technological leap empowers the helicopter with the utilization of 9M127-1 Ataka-VM anti-tank guided missiles, providing a strategic edge in combat scenarios. The addition of either the L370 Vitebsk electronic countermeasure system or its export version, President-S, enhances the helicopter’s survivability and defensive capabilities on the battlefield.
A noteworthy enhancement is the chiп-mounted NPPU-23 turret, equipped with the formidable twiп-barrel GSh-23L autocannon. This addition significantly elevates the helicopter’s offensive capabilities, ensuring a versatile and potent presence in various operational scenarios.
The synergy of these cutting-edge systems not only marks a significant modernization milestone for the Cyprus Air Forces but also reinforces their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in defense. As this upgraded helicopter takes flight, it symbolizes a new era of strength and adaptability for the Cyprus Air Forces, setting the stage for enhanced operational effectiveness and security.”