By NewsGram Staff Writer

Islamabad: In a defense deal signed between Pakistan and Russia, four Mi-35 'Hind E' attack helicopters were sold to Pakistan. Both the countries, which have been rivals from the Cold War, have been negotiating this deal for the past year, indicating mending relations between the two nations.

"The agreement was signed by top defense officials from Pakistan and Russia in Rawalpindi on Wednesday," Dawn cited a military source as saying.

The Mi-35 helicopter is an exceedingly modified version of the Mi-24 combat attack helicopter. It boasts of new onboard equipment and avionics, a more powerful engine and a different tail rotor.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif paid a visit to Russia in June, after which a draft contract was sent to Pakistan from Russia, for the delivery of four Mi-35M 'Hind E' combat helicopters. The General had spent about 15 hours at an arms expo featuring Russia's cutting-edge weapons and military equipment.

Late last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pakistan to discuss bilateral defense cooperation with the Pakistani leadership.

Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russia's Rostec corporation, had said Russia had lifted its ban on delivery of military hardware and armaments to Pakistan and negotiations were underway on delivering helicopters.

Pakistan already has a number of 'Mi-17' helicopters delivered by US to assist in the fight against militancy.

With inputs from IANS