Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq has received a shipment of Russian attack
helicopters.

Officials said the Iraqi military has received its first Russian attack
helicopters as part of a multi-billion-dollar deal with the Kremlin.

The officials identified the platform as the Mi-35, regarded as one of the most advanced in the Russian military.

“Iraq expects to see a consignment of around 40 Mi-35 and Mi-28NE attack helicopters by the end of the year,” Iraqi parliamentarian Abbas Al Bayati said.

The Mi-35s arrived in Baghdad on late Nov. 7 in what was termed the first stage of the major arms deal with Moscow. Officials said the helicopters would be employed for counter-insurgency operations against Al
Qaida.

Under the $4.3 billion agreement signed in 2012, Russia would also
supply 48 Pantsir-S1 air defense systems to the Iraqi military. Officials
said Moscow has also been preparing to deliver an unspecified number of
Ka-52 attack helicopters.

  Abbas Al Bayati, counter-insurgency operations, Iraq receives first shipment of Russian Mi-35 helicopters, Mi-28NE, Pantsir-S1 air defense system