First overhauled Serbian Mi-35P attack helicopters
On 18 September 2024, during the dress rehearsel for the Zastava 2024 event at Batajnica air base, the Serbia Air Force and Air Defence showed their first six overhauled and fully painted Mi-35P Hind attack helicopters which were bought from Cyprus.
The six 'new' helicopters, painted in the same dark gray scheme as the Air Force's Mi-35Ms, have been overhauled with UTVA in Pančevo. The Mi-35Ps received serial numbers starting from 201 to 206, with the full serial most probably starts at 35201.
In addition to the Mi-35P, pilots and mechanics of the 714. Protivoklovna Helikopterska Eskadrila (714. phe) Anti-Armor Helicopter Squadron, part of the 98th Aviation Brigade were seen, so this squadron will be the one that will use the newly introduced helicopters.
The former Cyprus National Guard (Cyprus NG) helicopters were officially bought in January 2023. Serbian technicians visited Cyprus in April 2021 to inspect the helicopters. As a result of the inspection the Serbian government sent a letter confirming its interest in purchasing all Mil Mi-35P Hind attack helicopters.
On 19, 20 and 21 November 2023, Antonov Design Bureau Antonov An-124-100 UR-82008 made three flights from Paphos (Cyprus) to Batajnica (Serbia) delivering the eleven former Cyprus NG Mi-35P attack helicopters.
Credit photo: Salinger Igor (@slaingerigor) / source: @aero.rs