Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force

Mi-25 at Vavuniya

Another Mi-25 parked at Vavuniya airstrip. Notice the FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) pod.

A Mi-25 flying over Sri Lanka.

A Mi-25 flying over Sri Lanka. A $20 million contract has been awarded to Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) for upgrades.

Mi-25 armed with bombs.

A Mi-25 armed with four 250 kg OFAB-250 bombs at Palaly airstrip. The Mi-25 is considered a very accurate dive bomber and it was obviously used in this role a lot during Operation Pawan.

Offensive missions over Palaly

A Mi-25 of No.125 Gladiators Helicopter Unit prepares to launch an offensive support mission from Palay. Armed with a 12.7mm rotary machine gun, 57mm rockets and light bombs, the Hind proved to be extremely effective against LTTE positions, vehicles and e

Mi-25s

A pair of Mi-35s in flight

Pair of Mi-35s

A pair of Mi-35s , on a strafing exercise. Unit Unknown

Mi-35 during the Republic Day Parade

An Mi-35 seen during the annual Republic Day Parade. possibly from No.104 Helicopter Squadron. The Mi-35 differs from the Mi-25 in having improved avionics. Rocket pods can be seen fitted under the hard points.

Mi-35 during the Republic Day Parade

Mi-35 Hind, seen during the annual Republic Day Parade. This view clearly shows the IR chaff/flare launchers towards the rear of the fuselage and the IR suppressors mounted on the exhausts.

Aircrew getting out of the Mi-35

A pilot steps out of the cockpit of his Mi-35 gunship. Notice the four barrelled 12.7mm gatling gun.

Mi25

An Mi-25 being serviced during sun down.

Mi-35 at Sunset

An Mi-35 Hovering in the sunset. This aircraft is equipped with the IR suppressors on the exhausts.

Mi-25 in grey scheme and with exhaust mounted IR supressors

The IAFs Mi-25/35 Fleet is currently undergoing an upgrade program. Almost all of the IAF Mi-25s and 35s have now been painted in a low visibility paint scheme.