The Russian Mil Mi-24 Mi-35 Hind Attack Transport Helicopter

The heaviest among all the gunships...the airborne attack transport helicopter also known as the "Flying Tank" the superior in technology ever built by the Russian.




Mil Mi-24 Hind

The earlier version once used by the Soviet war in Afghanistan that lasted for nine years, Dec,1979  to  Feb,1989 and proven for its high capability in bush land, desert and mountain terrain warfare and commando insertion and evacuation.

A GLIMPSE AT LIMA 2001 AND 2009

The Choice Of Two Attack Helicopters?

Being Malaysia the host country for LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition), two attack helicopters were exhibited through LIMA 01 and 09 that drew crowd of enthusiasts both local and abroad alike. As a host country, Malaysia was regarded as top player and seems likely to purchase it, but eventually snubbed the show until LIMA 2013 and they never return, probably due to the defense and the economic factors .... perhaps with the conjuncture of 'Lahad Datu's Incursion' in Sabah will soundly reopen the new purchasing turn-key.

SAAF AH2 Rooivalk stole the show in LIMA 2001

Name: Rooivalk AH2

Manufacturer: Denel

Role: Attack Helicopter

Primary User: South African Air Force(SAAF)

Unit Cost: $40 million.

SAF AH-64D Apache at LIMA 2009

Name: AH-64D Apache

Manufacturer: Boeing

Role: Attack Helicopter

Exibited: Singapore Air Force(SAF)

Unit Cost: US18 million.

Malaysia's Stand On No Gunship Deployment.

Veteran AlouetteIII gunner

In the case of 'Lahad Datu's Incursion' in early February, 2013 Malaysia made a smart move strategically over the matter as to avoid the possible violation of so called the Geneva Convention, the applicability of the Common Article 3 relating to Non-International Armed Conflict. It is not likely for the role of helicopter gunship to be deployed as would lead to an unforeseen intentional or unintentional of willful killing that add violence to life and person that will evoke the United Nation Security Council(UNSC).

Secondly, the Malaysian government has no present procurement for such helicopter gunship as it was abandoned in the late 1980's, and therefore, finally there's probably no emplacement for the newly trained air gunners. However the Malaysian Armed Forces especially the Royal Malaysian Air Forces are indeed looking forward for future need of helicopter gunship role and yet to be decided on its implementation by the Malaysian government. 

Why No Helicopter Gunship?

Malaysia has survived four historic incidents with or without helicopter gunship:

1. Communist Insurgency 1948-1989 - Helicopter Gunship Utilized (1970's onward).
2. Ethnic Violence May 13, 1969 - Helicopter Gunship Not Employed.
3. Indonesian And Malaysian Confrontation 1962-1966 - Helicopter Gunship Not Employed.
4. The Lahad Datu Armed Incursion Feb 9, 2013 - Helicopter Gunship Not Employed.

I was frequently asked on why there's no helicopter gunship involvement?....The question is yet to be answered later or give your comment hoping it will be well appreciated by all.