Russia has delivered the next batch of Mi-35M Hind attack helicopters to Brazil, whre they are known locally as the AH-2 Sabre.  A total of 12 helicopters were bought in a 2008 contract worth $150 million, and the last three are due for delivery by the end of 2012.

“The latest three machines were delivered on August 29,” said Igor Korotchenko, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade.  The Mi-35M is the key export variant of the Mi-24 Hind gunship helicopter.  Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico have in the past reported that the Mi-35s would be used in the Amazon region, flying in conjunction with Brazil’s Embraer land and ground surveillance jets.  This area, bordering Venezuela and Colombia, is a prime location for drug trafficking.

William P Johnson – HeliHub.com US correspondent