The Indonesian army has received a new version of the Russian Mi-35M attack helicopter, which differs from the previously operated Mi-35P with a new gun mount and rotor design. This was reported by Military Watch Magazine.

The most noticeable change is related to the cannon. The older Indonesian Mi-35P uses a fixed twin-barrel GSh-30K 30-mm cannon, mounted on the side of the nose, so the helicopter has to turn its entire body to aim. The Mi-35M received a movable NPPU-23 nose turret with a twin-barrel GSh-23V 23-mm cannon, which significantly expands the firing sector without changing the aircraft's course.

The Mi-35M also differs from the earlier version in its rotor and onboard equipment design. The aircraft received composite main rotor blades and an X-shaped tail rotor similar to the Mi-28, and the updated avionics are designed for use with night vision goggles and work with a modern optoelectronic system. This expands the helicopter's capabilities for night operations and in conditions of limited visibility.

For Indonesia, this is a particularly significant upgrade: previously, the army operated Mi-35P helicopters received in several stages, and the transition to the Mi-35M means replacing a number of key systems, primarily weapons, avionics, and the engine-rotor system.