The Mi-35M helicopter

The Mi-35M helicopter was one of the first Russian helicopters shot down on the territory of Kyiv region on February 24, 2022. On the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, about four dozen helicopters were heading to the Hostomel Airport for troop deployment. This particular helicopter was downed by a serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine using the "Igla" MANPADS near the Mezhyhirya National Park (Novi Petrivtsi village) and was later recovered from the bottom of the Kyiv Reservoir.

The Mi-35M is a transport and combat helicopter designed for the destruction of armored vehicles, fire support for ground forces units, troop insertion and evacuation, as well as cargo transportation in the cabin and on external sling. It has been in service with the Russian army since April 2010. Key specifications include a crew of 2 (3) persons, passenger capacity of 8, cargo lifting capacity of 2400 kg, and a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

The Mi-35M is equipped with various armament options (depending on the mission), including anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, and suspended cannon armament.