According to RIA Novosti, the first two Russian Mi-35P helicopter gunships that may be used as troop transport have been delivered to Armando Revoredo Iglesias air base of Peruvian air forces. Director of Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT), Igor Korotchenko, told about that.
According to him, the helicopters have been delivered to Peru in a knocked-down condition using An-124-100 Ruslan.

"Russian specialists have already started the assembly of helicopters in cooperation with Peruvian air forces representatives, - noted Korotchenko. - The combat vehicles should demonstrate their capabilities in the air in a few days ".

"The delivered vehicles will enforce the fleet of Mi-25s (an export version of Mi-24D) operated by the air force of Peru, which have a limited capabilities while operating during nighttime ", - said the director of CAWAT.

The helicopters have a traditional for Peruvian air force livery - fuselage nose section imitates a grinning chop. Russian Su-22 and Su-25 jets used by Peruvian air force also have the same livery.

Korotchenko has reminded that Peruvian Ministry of Defense has signed a contract on delivery of six Mi-171Sh helicopters and two Mi-35Ps with Rosoboronexport in 2010.

The amount of this contract, including the technical support, is assessed at $107,9 million. The delivery of first two Mi-171Shs is expected in May. The helicopters are intended for fighting production of drugs and supporting operations of country's armed forces against maoist extremist group "Sendero Luminoso".

Mi-35 is a multi-role strike helicopter, a "flying infantry combat vehicle", developed by Mil design bureau. It is an export version of Mi-24V multi-role striking helicopter. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 330 km/h, range of 500 km, service ceiling of 5700 m. Mi-35 is able to perform tasks during nighttime and adverse weather.