Mi-35M

Senegal operates Mi-35M attack/transport helicopters providing the Senegalese Air Force with its primary armed rotary-wing capability. The Mi-35M, the export variant of the Mi-24V/Mi-35 Hind, combines heavy weapons carriage with troop transport capacity in a single airframe — uniquely carrying up to 8 troops while retaining full rocket, missile, and cannon armament. Senegal employs the Mi-35M for counter-terrorism operations particularly in the Casamance region and increasingly in Sahel security operations. The helicopter provides close air support, armed escort, and armed assault insertion capabilities. Russian origin creates some logistical challenges for a traditionally Western-equipped force, addressed through maintenance training and support contracts. The Mi-35M represents significant firepower investment reflecting Senegal's security challenges.