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Russian helicopter contract with Pakistan may be expanded

Moscow: The contract for the delivery of four Russian Mi-35 helicopters to Pakistan could be expanded, Sputnik International reported.
Russian Foreign Ministry's Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov said it all depends on money. Pakistan has stated that it has the financial means for 10-12 helicopters of this type, but negotiations are ongoing, he added.
Sputnik International quoting Zamir Kabulov said Moscow and Islamabad are discussing possible supplies of Russian defensive weapons to Pakistan.
"Pakistan has an interest in other Russian weapon systems. Negotiations are underway. We are talking about defensive systems," Kabulov said.
In March, President Mamnoon Hussain announced Islamabad's intention to expand military-technical commerce with Russia with the purchase of Mi-35 gunships.
In August, a contract for four Mi-35M transport and attack helicopters was signed by Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and Pakistan's Ministry of Defence, according to a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Islamabad.
The Mi-35M is an upgraded export version of the Mi-24V multipurpose assault helicopter, developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

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