View source for Mil Mi-24

{{Short description|Family of assault and attack helicopters}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Mi-24 / Mi-25 / Mi-35
| image = File:Mi24CP (modified).jpg <!-- Flight images are preferred over on-ground images. See guidelines at [[WP:Air/PC]]. -->
| caption = A Mi-24V of the [[Polish Land Forces]]
| alt = 
| type = [[Attack helicopter]] with [[transport helicopter|transport]] capabilities, [[gunship|helicopter gunship]]
| manufacturer = [[Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant|Mil]]
| national_origin = [[Soviet Union]]/[[Russia]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 19 September 1969
| introduction = 1972
| retired = 
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top four (4) users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of their fleets. -->
| more_users = 58 other users (see ''[[#Operators|Operators section]]'' below)
| produced = 1969–present{{cn|date=December 2022}}
| number_built = 2,648
| developed_from = [[Mil Mi-8]]
| variants = 
| developed_into = 
}}

The '''Mil Mi-24''' ({{langx|ru|Миль Ми-24}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Hind''') is a large [[helicopter gunship]], [[attack helicopter]] and low-capacity [[transport helicopter|troop transport]] with room for eight passengers.<ref name="Airtoair">{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADB012954&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf |title=Air-to-Air Defense for Attack Helicopters |access-date=2012-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204020020/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADB012954&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf |archive-date=4 December 2011 |url-status= dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is produced by [[Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant]] and was introduced by the [[Soviet Air Forces|Soviet Air Force]] in 1972. The helicopter is currently in use by 58 countries.

In [[NATO]] circles, the export versions, '''Mi-25''' and '''Mi-35''', are denoted with a letter suffix as "Hind D" and "Hind E". Soviet pilots called the Mi-24 the "flying tank" ({{langx|ru|летающий танк|letayushchiy tank|links=no}}), a term used historically with the famous World War II Soviet [[Ilyushin Il-2#"The Flying tank"|Il-2 ''Shturmovik'']] armored ground attack aircraft. Other common unofficial nicknames were "Galina" (or "Galya"), "Crocodile" ({{langx|ru|Крокодил|Krokodil|links=no}}), due to the helicopter's camouflage scheme, and "[[faceted glass|Drinking Glass]]" ({{langx|ru|Стакан|Stakan|links=no}}), because of the flat glass plates that surround earlier Mi-24 variants' [[cockpit]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Rotary/Hind/HE18.htm|title=Mi-24 Hind 'Krokodil'|publisher=US Centennial of Flight Commission|first=Dwayne A.|last=Day|access-date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018181650/http://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Rotary/Hind/HE18.htm|archive-date=18 October 2015| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Development==
During the early 1960s, it became apparent to Soviet designer [[Mikhail Mil]] that the trend towards ever-increasing battlefield mobility would result in the creation of flying [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s, which could be used to perform both fire support and infantry transport missions. The first expression of this concept was a mock-up unveiled in 1966 in the experimental department of the Ministry of Aircraft's factory number 329, where Mil was head designer. The mock-up designated V-24 was based on another project, the [[Mil Mi-22 (1965)|V-22]] utility helicopter, which never flew. The V-24 had a central infantry compartment that could hold eight troops sitting back to back, and a set of small wings positioned to the top rear of the passenger cabin, capable of holding up to six missiles or rockets and a twin-barreled [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L|GSh-23L cannon]] fixed to the landing skid.

[[File:Mil Mi-24A Hind.jpg|thumb|left|Mil Mi-24A]]
Mil proposed the design to the heads of the Soviet armed forces. While he had the support of a number of strategists, he was opposed by several more senior members of the armed forces, who believed that conventional weapons were a better use of resources. Despite the opposition, Mil managed to persuade the defence minister's first deputy, Marshal [[Andrei Grechko|Andrey A. Grechko]], to convene an expert panel to look into the matter. While the panel's opinions were mixed, supporters of the project eventually held sway and a request for design proposals for a battlefield support helicopter was issued. The development and use of [[gunship]]s and [[attack helicopter]]s by the [[US Army]] during the [[Vietnam War]] convinced the Soviets of the advantages of armed helicopter ground support, and fostered support for the development of the Mi-24.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA067345&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf|title=Student research report: The Soviet attack helicopter|year=1977|publisher=[[DTIC]]|first=Kevin V.|last=Culhane|access-date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629180153/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA067345&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf|archive-date=29 June 2011| url-status= dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Mil engineers prepared two basic designs: a 7-ton single-engine design and a 10.5-ton twin-engine design, both based on the 1,700&nbsp;hp Izotov TV3-177A [[turboshaft]]. Later, three complete mock-ups were produced, along with five cockpit mock-ups to allow the pilot and weapon station operator positions to be fine-tuned.

The Kamov design bureau suggested an army version of their [[Kamov Ka-25|Ka-25]] ASW helicopter as a low-cost option. This was considered but later dropped in favor of the new Mil twin-engine design. A number of changes were made at the insistence of the military, including the replacement of the 23&nbsp;mm cannon with a rapid-fire heavy machine gun mounted in a chin turret, and the use of the [[9K114 Shturm]] (AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank missile.

A directive was issued on 6 May 1968 to proceed with the development of the twin-engine design. Work proceeded under Mil until his death in 1970. Detailed design work began in August 1968 under the codename Yellow 24. A full-scale mock-up of the design was reviewed and approved in February 1969. Flight tests with a prototype began on 15 September 1969 with a tethered hover, and four days later the first free flight was conducted. A second prototype was built, followed by a test batch of ten helicopters.

[[File:Russian Air Force Mil Mi-24P Dvurekov-4.jpg|thumb|Russian Air Force Mil Mi-24P]]
Acceptance testing for the design began in June 1970, continuing for 18 months. Changes made in the design addressed structural strength, fatigue problems and vibration levels. Also, a 12-degree [[Dihedral (aircraft)#Anhedral|anhedral]] was introduced to the wings to address the aircraft's tendency to [[Dutch roll]] at speeds in excess of 200&nbsp;km/h (124&nbsp;mph), and the [[3M11 Falanga|Falanga]] missile pylons were moved from the fuselage to the wingtips. The tail rotor was moved from the right to the left side of the tail, and the rotation direction reversed. The tail rotor now rotated up on the side towards the front of the aircraft, into the downwash of the rotor, which increased its efficiency. A number of other design changes were made until the production version Mi-24A (''izdeliye 245'') entered production in 1970, obtaining its [[initial operating capability]] in 1971 and was officially accepted into the state arsenal in 1972.<ref name="mil24yefim">{{cite book |title=Mil Mi-24, Attack Helicopter|author=Yefim Gordon & Dmitry Komissarov|publisher=Airlife|year=2001}}</ref>

In 1972, following completion of the Mi-24, development began on a unique attack helicopter with transport capability. The new design had a reduced transport capability (three troops instead of eight) and was called the [[Mi-28]], and that of the [[Ka-50]] attack helicopter, which is smaller and more maneuverable and does not have the large cabin for carrying troops. In October 2007, the [[Russian Air Force]] announced it would replace its Mi-24 fleet with Mi-28Ns and [[Kamov Ka-50|Ka-52s]] by 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20071031.aspx |title=Mi-28 Replacing Mi-24 |website=Strategy Page |date=1 October 2007 |access-date=19 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203023804/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20071031.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2007 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kommersant.com/p-11581/Combat_helicopter/ |title=Russia's Air Force to Replace Combat Helicopters by 2015 |date=24 October 2007 |website=[[Kommersant]] |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026052952/http://www.kommersant.com/p-11581/Combat_helicopter/ |archive-date=26 October 2007}}</ref> However, after the successful operation of the type in Syria it was decided to keep it in service and upgrade it with new electronics, sights, arms and night vision goggles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/april/6154-russia-upgrades-mi-24-helicopter-fleet.html|title=Russia upgrades Mi-24 helicopter fleet|website= airrecognition.com}}</ref>

==Design==
===Overview===
[[File:Mil Mi-35M (51 yellow).jpg|thumb|[[Russian Air Force]] Mi-35М]]

The core of the aircraft was derived from the [[Mil Mi-8]] (NATO reporting name "Hip") with two top-mounted turboshaft engines driving a mid-mounted {{convert|17.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} five-blade main [[Helicopter rotor|rotor]] and a three-blade tail rotor. The engine configuration gave the aircraft its distinctive double air intake. Original versions have an angular greenhouse-style cockpit; Model D and later have a characteristic tandem [[Cockpit (aviation)|cockpit]] with a "double bubble" [[bubble canopy|canopy]]. Other airframe components came from the [[Mil Mi-14|Mi-14]] "Haze". Two mid-mounted stub wings provide weapon [[hardpoint]]s, each offering three stations, in addition to providing [[Lift (force)|lift]]. The loadout mix is mission dependent; Mi-24s can be tasked with close air support, anti-tank operations, or aerial combat.

The Mi-24's [[titanium]] rotor blades are resistant to 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50 caliber) rounds.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} The cockpit is protected by ballistic-resistant windscreens and a titanium-armored tub.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/74384437/Red-Star-Fighters-and-Ground-Attack# |title=Red Star Fighters & Ground Attack |publisher=Windrow & Greene |year=1994 |author=Halberstadt, Hans |pages=85, 88 |access-date=2 December 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019120931/http://www.scribd.com/doc/74384437/Red-Star-Fighters-and-Ground-Attack |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> The cockpit and crew compartment are [[Pressurization|overpressurized]] to protect the crew in [[CBRN defense|NBC condition]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.military-forces.net/helicopters/mil-mi-24/|title=Mil Mi-24 Helicopter |work=Military Forces|access-date=2017-07-04|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902093900/https://www.military-forces.net/helicopters/mil-mi-24/|archive-date=2 September 2017| url-status= usurped |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Flight characteristics===
[[File:Helicopter Cockpit Mil Mi-24D Hind.jpg|thumb|Mi-24D cockpit]]
[[File:MAKS-2015first07.jpg|thumb|Mi-35M with the OPS-24N survey and sighting system together with the gyrostabilized OLS GOES-324]]

Considerable attention was given to making the Mi-24 fast. The airframe was streamlined, and fitted with retractable [[tricycle undercarriage]] landing gear to reduce drag. At high speed, the wings provide considerable lift (up to a quarter of total lift). The main rotor was tilted 2.5° to the right from the fuselage to compensate for [[Translation (geometry)|translating]] tendency at a hover. The landing gear was also tilted to the left so that the rotor would still be level when the aircraft was on the ground, making the rest of the airframe tilt to the left. The tail was also asymmetrical to give a side force at speed, thus unloading the tail rotor.<ref name="Gordon & Komissarov">{{cite book |title=Mil Mi-24 Hind, Attack Helicopter|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781840372380|url-access=registration|first1=Yefim|last1=Gordon|first2=Dmitry|last2=Komissarov|publisher=Airlife|year=2001|isbn=9781840372380}}</ref>

A modified Mi-24B, named A-10, was used in several speed and time-to-climb world record attempts. The helicopter had been modified to reduce weight as much as possible—one measure was the removal of the stub wings.<ref name="mil24yefim" /> The previous official speed record was set on 13 August 1975 over a closed {{convert|1000|km|abbr=on}} course of {{convert|332.65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}; many of the female-specific records were set by the all-female crew of Galina Rastorguyeva and Lyudmila Polyanskaya.<ref name="fai">{{cite web |url=http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=552 |title=Rotorcraft World Records: List of records established by the 'A-10' |publisher=[[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] |access-date=17 September 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030723154005/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/aircraft.asp?id=552 |archive-date=23 July 2003}}</ref> On 21 September 1978, the A-10 set the absolute speed record for helicopters with {{convert|368.4|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} over a 15/25&nbsp;km course. The record stood until 1986, when it was broken by the current official record holder, a modified British [[Westland Lynx]].<ref name="fai2">{{cite web |url=http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/history.asp?id1=112&id2=28&id3=1&id4=2 |title=Rotorcraft World Records: History of Rotorcraft World Records |publisher=[[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] |access-date=17 September 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111095927/http://records.fai.org/rotorcraft/history.asp?id1=112&id2=28&id3=1&id4=2 |archive-date=11 January 2009}}</ref>

===Comparison to Western helicopters===
[[File:Mi-24 Desert Rescue.jpg|thumb|U.S. operated Mi-24P Hind-F]]
[[File:Mi-24 Super Agile Hind on ground 2006.jpg|thumb|Mi-24 SuperHind, a modernized Hind by the South African firm ATE. At the Ysterplaat Airshow 2006.]]

As a combination of armoured gunship and troop transport, the Mi-24 has no direct [[NATO]] counterpart. While the [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1]] ("Huey") helicopters were used by the US in the Vietnam War either to ferry troops, or as gunships, they were not able to do both at the same time. Converting a UH-1 into a gunship meant stripping the entire passenger area to accommodate extra fuel and ammunition, and removing its troop transport capability. The Mi-24 was designed to do both, and this was greatly exploited by airborne units of the Soviet Army during the 1980–89 [[Soviet–Afghan War]]. The closest Western equivalent was the American [[Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk]], which used many of the same design principles and was also built as a high-speed, high-agility attack helicopter with limited troop transport capability using many components from the existing [[Sikorsky S-61]]. The S-67, however, was never adopted for service.<ref name="Airtoair" /> Other Western equivalents are the Romanian Army's [[IAR 330]], which is a licence-built armed version of the [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]], and the MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator, a special purpose armed variant of the [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]].

==Operational history==
===Ogaden War (1977–1978)===
The first combat use of the Mi-24 was with the Ethiopian forces during the [[Ogaden War]] against [[Somalia]]. The helicopters formed part of a massive airlift of military equipment from the Soviet Union, after the Soviets switched sides towards the end of 1977. The helicopters were instrumental in the combined air and ground assault that allowed the Ethiopians to retake the [[Ogaden]] by the beginning of 1978.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper|first=Tom |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_188.shtml |title=Ogaden War, 1977–1978|publisher=Air Combat Information Group|access-date=18 March 2007|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107093450/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_188.shtml|archive-date=7 January 2007}}</ref>

===Chadian–Libyan conflict (1978–1987)===
{{See also|Toyota War|Operation Mount Hope III}}

The Libyan air force used Mi-24A and Mi-25 units during their numerous interventions in [[Chadian-Libyan conflict|Chad's civil war]].<ref name="Gordon & Komissarov" /> The Mi-24s were first used in October 1980 in the battle of [[N'Djamena]], where they helped the [[People's Armed Forces]] seize the capital.

In March 1987, the [[Armed Forces of the North]], which were backed by the [[United States|US]] and France, captured a Libyan air force base at [[Ouadi-Doum]] in Northern Chad. Among the aircraft [[Operation Mount Hope III|captured during this raid]] were three Mi-25s. These were supplied to France, which in turn sent one to the United Kingdom and one to the US.<ref name="mil24yefim"/>

===Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979–1989)===
[[File:Mi-24V Soviet1.jpg|thumb|Front view of a Soviet Mi-24 HIND E ground-attack helicopter]]
The aircraft was operated extensively during the Soviet–Afghan War, mainly for bombing [[Afghan Mujahideen|Mujahideen]] fighters. When the U.S. supplied heat-seeking [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] missiles to the Mujahideen, the Soviet Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters proved to be favorite targets of the rebels.

It is difficult to find the total number of Mi-24s used in Afghanistan.<ref>Grau, Lester W. [http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA316729 ''The Bear Went Over the Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics in Afghanistan''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201003422/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA316729 |date=1 December 2012}}. National Defense University Press, 1996.</ref> At the end of 1990, the whole Soviet Army had 1,420 Mi-24s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The military balance, 1989-1990 |date=1989 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0080375694 |page=34|author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}</ref> During the Afghan war, sources estimated the helicopter strength to be as much as 600 units, with up to 250 being Mi-24s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1985/jan-feb/nelson.html |title=Soviet Air Power |publisher=Airpower.au.af.mil |access-date=2012-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224220320/http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1985/jan-feb/nelson.html |archive-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> whereas a (formerly secret) 1987 [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) report says that the number of Mi-24s in theatre increased from 85 in 1980 to 120 in 1985.<ref>[http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB57/us8.pdf "The Costs of Soviet Involvement in Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129175648/http://www.gwu.edu/%7Ensarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB57/us8.pdf |date=29 November 2011}}. Office of Soviet Analysis</ref>

====First deployment and combat====
In April 1979, Mi-24s were supplied to the Afghan government to deal with Mujahideen guerrillas.<ref name="greg2">{{cite web |url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avhind_1.html |title=Hind Variants / Soviet Service |access-date=17 January 2008 |last=Goebel |first=Greg |date=1 April 2009 |url-status= usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120022008/http://www.vectorsite.net/avhind_1.html |archive-date=20 January 2008}}</ref> The Afghan pilots were well-trained and made effective use of their machines, but the Mujahideen were not easy targets. The first Mi-24 to be lost in action was shot down by guerrillas on 18 July 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=83290|title=ASN Aircraft accident 18-JUL-1979 Mil Mi-24A|author=Harro Ranter|website=Aviation-safety.net|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113175158/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=83290|archive-date=13 November 2014| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skywar.ru/afghanistanen.html |title=Afghanistan – Air force in local wars |website=Skywar.ru |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513080633/http://www.skywar.ru/afghanistanen.html |archive-date=13 May 2015 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:SovietafghanwarTanksHelicopters.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Soviet "Helicopter-tank" operation in Afghanistan]]
Despite facing strong resistance from Afghan rebels, the Mi-24 proved to be very destructive. The rebels called the Mi-24 "''Shaitan-Arba'' (Satan's Chariot)".<ref name="greg2" /> In one case, an Mi-24 pilot who was out of ammunition managed to rescue a company of infantry by maneuvering aggressively towards Mujahideen guerrillas and scaring them off. The Mi-24 was popular with ground troops, since it could stay on the battlefield and provide fire as needed, while "fast mover" [[Strike aircraft|strike jets]] could only stay for a short time before heading back to base to refuel.

The Mi-24's favoured munition was the {{convert|80|mm|adj=on}} [[S-8 rocket]], the {{convert|57|mm|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[S-5 rocket|S-5]] having proven too light to be effective. The {{convert|23|mm|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[gun pod]] was also popular. Extra rounds of rocket ammunition were often carried internally so that the crew could land and self-reload in the field. The Mi-24 could carry ten {{convert|100|kg|adj=on}} [[iron bomb]]s for attacks on camps or strongpoints, while harder targets could be dealt with a load of four {{convert|250|kg|adj=on}} or two {{convert|500|kg|adj=on}} iron bombs.<ref name="vert">Yakubovich, Nikolay. ''Boevye vertolety Rossii. Ot "Omegi" do "Alligatora"'' (Russia's combat helicopters. From Omega to Alligator). Moscow, Yuza & Eksmo, 2010, {{ISBN|978-5-699-41797-1}}, pp. 164–173.</ref> Some Mi-24 crews became experts at dropping bombs precisely on targets. [[Fuel Air Explosive|Fuel-air explosive]] bombs were also used in a few instances, though crews initially underestimated the sheer blast force of such weapons and were caught by the shock waves. The 9K114 Shturm was used infrequently, largely due to a lack of targets early in the war that required the precision and range the missile offered and a need to keep to stocks of anti tank missiles in Europe. After the Mujahideen got access to more advanced anti aircraft weapons later in the war the Shturm was used more often by Mi-24 units.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weapons |first1=Systems |title=9K114 Shturm |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/522-9K114+Shturm |website=Weapon systems.net}}</ref>

Combat experience quickly demonstrated the disadvantages of having an Mi-24 carrying troops. Gunship crews found the soldiers a concern and a distraction while being shot at, and preferred to fly lightly loaded anyway, especially given their operations from high ground altitudes in Afghanistan. Mi-24 troop compartment armour was often removed to reduce weight. Troops would be carried in Mi-8 helicopters while the Mi-24s provided fire support.

[[File:Миль Ми-24-25-35, Вязьма - Двоевка RP57606.jpg|thumb|left|Mil Mi-24/25]]
It proved useful to carry a technician in the Mi-24's crew compartment to handle a light machine gun in a window port. This gave the Mi-24 some ability to "watch its back" while leaving a target area. In some cases, a light machine gun was fitted on both sides to allow the technician to move from one side to the other without having to take the machine gun with him.

This weapon configuration still left the gunship blind to the direct rear, and Mil experimented with fitting a machine gun in the back of the fuselage, accessible to the gunner through a narrow crawl-way. The experiment was highly unsuccessful, as the space was cramped, full of engine exhaust fumes, and otherwise unbearable. During a demonstration, an overweight Soviet Air Force general got stuck in the crawl-way.<ref name="mil24yefim" /> Operational Mi-24s were retrofitted with rear-view mirrors to help the pilot spot threats and take evasive action.

Besides protecting helicopter troop assaults and supporting ground actions, the Mi-24 also protected convoys, using rockets with [[flechette]] warheads to drive off ambushes; performed strikes on predesignated targets; and engaged in "hunter-killer" sweeps. Hunter-killer Mi-24s operated at a minimum in pairs, but were more often in groups of four or eight, to provide mutual fire support. The Mujahideen learned to move mostly at night to avoid the gunships, and in response the Soviets trained their Mi-24 crews in night-fighting, dropping parachute flares to illuminate potential targets for attack. The Mujahideen quickly caught on and scattered as quickly as possible when Soviet target designation flares were lit nearby.

====Attrition in Afghanistan====
The war in Afghanistan brought with it losses by attrition.<ref name="greg2" /> The environment itself, dusty and often hot, was rough on the machines; dusty conditions led to the development of the twin PZU ('PyleZashchitnoe Ustroystvo') air intake filters. The rebels' primary air-defence weapons early in the war were heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft cannons, though anything smaller than a 23 millimetre shell generally did not do much damage to an Mi-24. The cockpit glass panels were resistant to 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50 in calibre) rounds.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

The rebels also quickly began to use Soviet-made and US shoulder-launched, [[man-portable air-defense system]] (MANPADS) missiles such as the [[SA-7|Strela]] and [[FIM-43 Redeye|Redeye]] which had either been captured from the Soviets or their Afghan allies or were supplied from Western sources. Many of them came from stocks that the Israelis had captured during wars with Soviet backed states in the Middle East. Owing to a combination of the limited capabilities of these early types of missiles, poor training and poor material condition of the missiles, they were not particularly effective. Instead, the [[RPG-7]], originally developed as an antitank weapon, was the first effective countermeasure to the Hind. The RPG-7, not designed for air defence, had inherent shortcomings in this role. When fired at the angles needed to hit aerial targets, the back-blast could easily wound the shooter, and the inevitable cloud of smoke and dust made it easy for gunners to spot the shooter's position.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

From 1986,<ref name=vert/> the CIA began supplying the Afghan rebels with newer Stinger shoulder-launched, heat-seeking SAMs.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cordovez |first1=Diego |last2=Harrison |first2=Selig S. |title=Out of Afghanistan: The Inside Story of the Soviet Withdrawal |date= 1995 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-536268-8 |pages=194−198 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iFasqHGo3p0C |access-date=7 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> These were a marked improvement over earlier weapons. Unlike the Redeye and SA-7, which locked on to only infrared emissions, the Stinger could lock onto both infrared and ultraviolet emissions. This enabled the operator to engage an aircraft from all angles rather than just the tail and made it significantly more resistant to countermeasures like flares. In addition the Mil helicopters, particularly the Mi-24, suffered from a design flaw in the configuration of their engines that made them highly vulnerable to the Stinger. The Mi-24, along with the related Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, had its engines placed in an inline configuration in an attempt to streamline the helicopter to increase speed and minimize the aircraft's overall frontal profile to incoming fire in a head on attack. However this had the opposite effect of leaking all the exhaust gasses from the Mi-24's engines directly out the side of the aircraft and away from the helicopter's rotor wash, creating two massive sources of heat and ultraviolet radiation for the Stinger to lock onto.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Channel |first1=Discovery |title=Wings: Mi-24 Hind 'The Bear Trap' 4/5 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37zF_eb2g8Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/37zF_eb2g8Q |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=Youtube |date=3 September 2011 |publisher=Discovery Channel |access-date=28 July 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The inline placement of the engines was seen as so problematic in this regard that Mil designers abandoned the configuration on the planned successor to the Mi-24, the Mil Mi-28, in favour of an engine placement more akin to Western attack helicopters which vents the exhaust gasses into the helicopter's main rotor wash to dissipate heat.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

Initially, the attack doctrine of the Mi-24 was to approach its target from high altitude and dive downwards. After the introduction of the Stinger, doctrine changed to "[[Nap-of-the-earth|nap of the earth]]" flying, where they approached very low to the ground and engaged more laterally, popping up to only about {{convert|200|ft|m|abbr=on}} in order to aim rockets or cannons.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/10/08/in-syria-hints-of-soviet-helicopter-tactics-from-afghanistan/ In Syria, hints of Soviet helicopter tactics from Afghanistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029184542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/10/08/in-syria-hints-of-soviet-helicopter-tactics-from-afghanistan/ |date=29 October 2015}} – Washingtonpost.com, 8 October 2015</ref> Countermeasure flares and missile warning systems would be installed in all Soviet [[Mil Mi-2]], Mi-8, and Mi-24 helicopters, giving pilots a chance to evade missiles fired at them. Heat dissipation devices were also fitted to exhausts to decrease the Mi-24's heat signature. Tactical and doctrinal changes were introduced to make it harder for the enemy to deploy these weapons effectively. These reduced the Stinger threat, but did not eliminate it.

Mi-24s were also used to shield jet transports flying in and out of [[Kabul]] from Stingers. The gunships carried flares to blind the heat-seeking missiles. The crews called themselves "Mandatory [[Alexander Matrosov|Matrosovs]]", after a Soviet hero of World War II who threw himself across a German machine gun to let his comrades break through.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

According to Russian sources, 74 helicopters were lost, including 27 shot down by Stinger and two by Redeye.<ref name=vert/> In many cases, the helicopters with their armour and durable construction could withstand significant damage and able to return to base.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

====Mi-24 crews and end of Soviet involvement====
Mi-24 crews carried [[AK-74]] assault rifles and other hand-held weapons to give them a better chance of survival if forced down.<ref name="greg2"/> Early in the war, Marat Tischenko, head of the Mil design bureau visited Afghanistan to see what the troops thought of his helicopters, and gunship crews put on several displays for him. They even demonstrated manoeuvres, such as [[barrel roll]]s, which design engineers considered impossible. An astounded Tischenko commented, "I thought I knew what my helicopters could do, now I'm not so sure!"<ref name="greg2"/>

The last Soviet Mi-24 shot down was during the night of 2 February 1989, with both crewmen killed. It was also the last Soviet helicopter lost during nearly 10 years of warfare.<ref name=vert/>

====Mi-24s in Afghanistan after Soviet withdrawal====
[[File:Afghan Air Corps Mi-35 helicopters.jpg|thumb|Two Mil [[Mi-35]] Hind helicopters during a training sortie over southern Afghanistan, 4 October 2009. U.S. Airmen with the 438th Air Expeditionary Training Group.]]
Mi-24s passed on to Soviet-backed Afghan forces during the war remained in dwindling service in the grinding civil war that continued after the Soviet withdrawal.<ref name="greg2"/>

[[Afghan Air Force]] Mi-24s in the hands of the ascendant [[Taliban]] gradually became inoperable, but a few flown by the [[Northern Alliance]], which had Russian assistance and access to spares, remained operational up to the US invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001. In 2008, the Afghan Air Force took delivery of six refurbished Mi-35 helicopters, purchased from the Czech Republic. The Afghan pilots were trained by India and began live firing exercises in May 2009 in order to escort Mi-17 transport helicopters on operations in restive parts of the country.

===Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988)===
The Mi-25 saw considerable use by the [[Iraqi Regular Army|Iraqi Army]] during the [[Iran–Iraq War|long war]] against Iran.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_206.shtml |title= I Persian Gulf War: Iraqi Invasion of Iran, September 1980 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |first1= Tom |last1= Cooper |first2= Farzad |last2= Bishop |date= 9 September 2003 |access-date= 12 November 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140221222156/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_206.shtml |archive-date= 21 February 2014 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref> Its heavy armament caused severe losses to Iranian ground forces during the war. However, the Mi-25 lacked an effective anti-tank capability, as it was only armed with obsolete [[9M17 Skorpion]] missiles.<ref name="fire-in-the-hills"/> This led the Iraqis to develop new gunship tactics, with help from [[East Germany|East German]] advisors. The Mi-25s would form "hunter-killer" teams with French-built [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]s, with the Mi-25s leading the attack and using their massive firepower to suppress Iranian air defences, and the Gazelles using their [[Euromissile HOT|HOT missiles]] to engage [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s. These tactics proved effective in halting Iranian offensives, such as [[Operation Ramadan]] in July 1982.<ref name="fire-in-the-hills">{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_214.shtml |title=Fire in the Hills: Iranian and Iraqi Battles of Autumn 1982 |access-date=17 January 2008 |last=Cooper |first=Tom |author2=Bishop, Farzad |date=9 September 2003 |publisher=Air Combat Information Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822073723/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_214.shtml |archive-date=22 August 2014 |url-status= usurped |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Mi24 tehran.jpg|thumb|left|An Iraqi Mil Mi-25, brought down during the [[Iran–Iraq War]], on display at a military museum in [[Tehran]].]]
This war also saw the only confirmed air-to-air helicopter battles in history with the Iraqi Mi-25s flying against Iranian [[AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1J SeaCobra]]s (supplied by the United States before the [[Iranian Revolution]]) on several separate occasions. In November 1980, not long after Iraq's initial invasion of Iran, two Iranian SeaCobras engaged two Mi-25s with [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] wire-guided antitank missiles. One Mi-25 went down immediately, the other was badly damaged and crashed before reaching base.<ref name=vert/><ref name="greg" /> The Iranians repeated this accomplishment on 24 April 1981, destroying two Mi-25s without incurring losses to themselves.<ref name=vert/> One Mi-25 was also downed by an IRIAF [[F-14A]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=62 |title= I Persian Gulf War: Iraqi Invasion of Iran, September 1980 |access-date=18 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808125733/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=62 |archive-date=8 August 2016 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

The Iraqis hit back, claiming the destruction of a SeaCobra on 14 September 1983 (with YaKB machine gun), then three SeaCobras on 5 February 1984<ref name="greg"/> and three more on 25 February 1984 (two with Falanga missiles, one with S-5 rockets).<ref name=vert/> A 1982 news article published on the Iraqi Observer claimed an Iraqi Mi-24D shot down an Iranian [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom II]] using its armaments, either antitank missiles, guns or S-5 unguided rockets.<ref name="Mi-24 vs fighter jets">{{cite web |url=https://tvzvezda.ru/news/qhistory/content/201510170938-qw7z.htm|title=Как Ми-24В уничтожил израильский истребитель: уникальные рекорды российских вертолетов|work=Телеканал «Звезда» |publisher=[[Zvezda (TV channel)|TV Zvezda]]|date=17 October 2015|access-date=3 November 2019 |last1=Tvzvezda. Ru |first1=Редакция }}</ref>

After a lull in helicopter losses, each side lost a gunship on 13 February 1986.<ref name=vert/> Later, a Mi-25 claimed shooting down a SeaCobra with YaKB gun on 16 February, and a SeaCobra claimed downing a Mi-25 with rockets on 18 February.<ref name=vert/> The last engagement between the two types was on 22 May 1986, when Mi-25s shot down a SeaCobra. The final claim tally was 10 SeaCobras and 6 Mi-25s destroyed. The relatively small numbers and the inevitable disputes over actual kill numbers makes it unclear if one gunship had a real technical superiority over the other. Iraqi Mi-25s also claimed 43 kills against other Iranian helicopters, such as [[UH-1 Iroquois|Agusta-Bell UH-1 Hueys]].<ref name="greg">{{cite web |url= http://www.airvectors.net/avhind_2.html |title= Hind in Foreign Service / Hind Upgrades / Mi-28 Havoc |date= 16 September 2012 |website= The Mil Mi-24 Hind & Mi-28 Havoc |first= Greg |last= Goebel |access-date= 16 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131113105640/http://www.airvectors.net/avhind_2.html |archive-date= 13 November 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

In general, the Iraqi pilots liked the Mi-25, in particular for its high speed, long range, high versatility and large weapon load, but disliked the relatively ineffectual anti-tank guided weapons and lack of agility.<ref name="fire-in-the-hills" />

===Nicaraguan civil war (1980–1988)===
Mi-25s were also used by the Nicaraguan Army during the civil war of the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww3/v/41/179/0/4 |title= Mi-24 |website= Wings Palette |access-date= 1 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110723061050/http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww3/v/41/179/0/4 |archive-date= 23 July 2011 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/helicopter-m/mi24/ |title= Mil Mi-24 |website= Aerospaceweb.org |access-date= 1 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110607220531/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/helicopter-m/mi24/ |archive-date= 7 June 2011 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref> Nicaragua received 12 Mi-25s (some sources claim 18) in the mid-1980s to deal with "[[Contras|Contra]]" insurgents.<ref name="greg" /> The Mi-25s performed ground attacks on the Contras and were also fast enough to intercept light aircraft being used by the insurgents. The U.S. [[Reagan Administration]] regarded introduction of the Mi-25s as a major escalation of tensions in Central America.

Two Mi-25s were shot down by Stingers fired by the Contras. A third Mi-25 was damaged while pursuing Contras near the Honduran border, when it was intercepted by Honduran [[F-86 Sabre]]s and [[A-37 Dragonfly|A-37 Dragonflies]]. A fourth was flown to Honduras by a defecting [[Sandinista]] pilot in December 1988.

===Sri Lankan Civil War (1987–2009)===
The [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] (1987–90) in [[Sri Lanka]] used Mi-24s when an [[Indian Air Force]] detachment was deployed there in [[Sri Lankan civil war|support]] of the Indian and Sri Lankan armed forces in their fight against various [[List of Sri Lankan Tamil militant groups|Tamil militant groups]] such as the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE). It is believed that Indian losses were considerably reduced by the heavy fire support from their Mi-24s. The Indians lost no Mi-24s in the operation, as the Tigers had no weapons capable of downing the gunship at the time.<ref name="greg" /><ref name="acig-Indian">{{cite web |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_336.shtml |title= Sri Lanka, since 1971 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |date= 29 October 2003 |first= Tom |last= Cooper |access-date= 26 June 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081003013212/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_336.shtml |archive-date= 3 October 2008 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

Since 14 November 1995, the Mi-24 has been used by the [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] in the war against the LTTE liberation group and has proved highly effective at providing close air support for ground forces. The Sri Lanka Air Force operates a mix of Mi-24/-35P and Mi-24V/-35 versions attached to its [[No. 9 Squadron SLAF|No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron]]. They have recently been upgraded with modern Israeli [[FLIR]] and [[electronic warfare]] systems. Five were upgraded to intercept aircraft by adding radar, fully functional helmet mounted target tracking systems, and AAMs. More than five Mi-24s have been lost to LTTE MANPADS, and another two lost in attacks on air bases, with one heavily damaged but later returned to service.<ref name="acig-Indian"/>

===Peruvian operations (1989–present)===
The [[Peruvian Air Force]] received 12 Mi-25Ds and 2 Mi-25DU from the Soviets in 1983, 1984, and 1985 after ordering them in the aftermath of [[Paquisha War|1981 Paquisha conflict]] with [[Ecuador]]. Seven more second hand units (4 Mi-24D and 3 Mi-25D) were obtained from [[Nicaragua]] in 1992. These have been permanently based at the Vitor airbase near [[La Joya District|La Joya]] ever since, operated by the 2nd Air Group of the 211th Air Squadron. Their first deployment occurred in June 1989 during the [[Internal conflict in Peru|war against Communist guerrillas]] in the Peruvian highlands, mainly against [[Shining Path]]. Despite the conflict continuing, it has decreased in scale and is now limited to the jungle areas of Valley of Rivers [[Apurímac River|Apurímac]], [[Ene River|Ene]] and [[Mantaro River|Mantaro]] (VRAEM).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.ws/aviacionperucenepa/AeronavesPeru/Mi-25.html |title=Los Mi-25 de la FAP |website=Geocities.ws |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426123439/http://www.geocities.ws/aviacionperucenepa/AeronavesPeru/Mi-25.html |archive-date=26 April 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://peru.com/actualidad/nacionales/arequipa-supervisan-helicopteros-mi-25-lucha-vraem-noticia-92901 |title=Arequipa: Presentan los helicópteros Mi-25 para la lucha en el VRAEM |website=Perú.com |date=19 October 2012 |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113180921/http://peru.com/actualidad/nacionales/arequipa-supervisan-helicopteros-mi-25-lucha-vraem-noticia-92901 |archive-date=13 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lyukvigCA |title=Ofensiva Mayor en el VRAE |website=YouTube |date=8 May 2012 |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518063812/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lyukvigCA |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:MI-35P FAP (crop).jpg|thumb|A Peruvian Mi-35P]]
Peru also employed Mi-25s against Ecuadorian forces during the short [[Cenepa War|Cenepa conflict]] in early 1995. The only loss occurred on 7 February, when a FAP Mi-25 was downed after being hit in quick succession by at least two, probably three, [[9K38 Igla]] shoulder-fired missiles during a low-altitude mission over the Cenepa valley. The three crewmen were killed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Peru vs. Ecuador; Alto Cenepa War, 1995|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=47|website=ACIG.org|access-date=18 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213328/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=47|archive-date=4 October 2013| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

By 2011 two Mi-35P were purchased from Russia to reinforce the 211th Air Squadron.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rpp.pe/peru/actualidad/peru-recibe-dos-helicopteros-de-combate-rusos-mi-35-noticia-352470 |title=Peru recibe dos helicopteros de combate rusos Mi-35 |date=5 April 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Persian Gulf War (1991)===
[[File:Mi-24 Iraqi.jpg|thumb|An Iraqi Mi-25 Hind-D, captured during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.]]

The Mi-24 was also heavily employed by the [[Iraqi Army]] during their [[Gulf War|invasion]] of Kuwait, although most were withdrawn by [[Saddam Hussein]] when it became apparent that they would be needed to help retain his grip on power in the aftermath of the war. In the ensuing [[1991 uprisings in Iraq]], these helicopters were used against dissidents as well as fleeing civilian refugees.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/iraq501/events_uprising.html |title= Suppression of the 1991 Uprising |website= The Crimes of Saddam Hussein |first= Dave |last= Johns |publisher= [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] |access-date= 1 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111130013746/http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/iraq501/events_uprising.html |archive-date= 30 November 2011 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2002-03/03rn43.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928061304/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2002-03/03rn43.htm |archive-date=28 September 2009 |title=Behind the Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MeK) |first=Nigel |last=Brew |date=16 June 2003 |publisher=[[Parliament of Australia]] |url-status= dead}}</ref>

===Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002)===
Three Mi-24Vs owned by [[Sierra Leone]] and flown by [[South Africa]]n [[Private military contractor|military contractor]]s, including [[Neall Ellis]], were used against [[Revolutionary United Front|RUF]] rebels.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2000/s229144.htm |title= Gunship for Hire |publisher= ABC News (Australia) |date= 28 September 2000 |first= Mark |last= Corcoran |website= Foreign Correspondent |access-date= 20 October 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071226002825/http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2000/s229144.htm |archive-date= 26 December 2007 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all}}</ref> In 1995, they helped [[Sierra Leone Civil War|drive]] the RUF from the capital, [[Freetown]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_462.shtml |title= Sierra Leone, 1990–2002 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |first1= Tom |last1= Cooper |first2= Court "Skyler" |last2= Chick |date= 5 August 2004 |access-date= 20 October 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120414081509/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_462.shtml |archive-date= 14 April 2012 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref> Neall Ellis also piloted a Mi-24 during the British-led [[Operation Barras]] against [[West Side Boys]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Certain Death in Sierra Leone: The SAS and Operation Barras 2000|series=Raid 10|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|first=Will |last=Fowler |date= 2010 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RmG1CwAAQBAJ&q=neall+ellis |isbn=9781846038501|page=46}}</ref> [[Guinea]] also used its Mi-24s against the RUF on both sides of the border and was alleged to have provided air support to the [[LURD]] insurgency in northern [[Liberia]] in 2001–03.

===Croatian War of Independence (1990s)===
Twelve Mi-24s were delivered to Croatia in 1993, and were used effectively in 1995 by the [[Croatian Army]] in [[Operation Storm]] [[Croatian War of Independence|against]] the [[Military of Serbian Krajina|Army of Krajina]]. The Mi-24 was used to strike deep into enemy territory and disrupt Krajina army communications. One Croatian Mi-24 crashed near the city of [[Drvar]], Bosnia and Herzegovina due to strong winds. Both the pilot and the operator survived. The Mi-24s used by Croatia were obtained from Ukraine. One Mi-24 was modified to carry [[Mark 46 torpedo]]es. The helicopters were withdrawn from service in 2004.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Berger|first=Heinz |date=July 2011 |title=Croatian Air Force at 20|journal=Combat Aircraft|volume=12|issue=7|page=83|issn=2041-7470}}</ref>

===First and Second Wars in Chechnya (1990s–2000s)===
During the [[First Chechen War|First]] and [[Second Chechen War]]s, beginning in 1994 and 1999 respectively, Mi-24s were employed by the Russian armed forces.

In the first year of the Second Chechen War, 11 Mi-24s were lost by Russian forces, about half of which were lost as a result of enemy action.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pashin |first=Alexander |title=Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya |url=http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/ |publisher=Moscow Defense Brief |access-date=6 March 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501050127/http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/ |archive-date=1 May 2014}}</ref>

===Sudanese Civil War (1995–2005)===
In 1995, the Sudanese Air Force acquired six Mi-24s for use in [[South Sudan|Southern Sudan]] and the [[Nuba mountains]] to [[Second Sudanese Civil War|engage]] the [[Sudan People's Liberation Army|SPLA]]. At least two aircraft were lost in non-combat situations within the first year of operation. A further twelve were bought in 2001,<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url= https://www.hrw.org/reports/2003/sudan1103/8.htm#_Toc54492558 |title= Sudan, Oil, and Human Rights |publisher=[[Human Rights Watch]] |chapter= Government Revenue from Oil and Expenditures on Arms |date= 2003 |isbn= 978-1-56432-291-3 |access-date =1 July 2011}}</ref> and used extensively in the oil fields of Southern Sudan. Mi-24s were also deployed to [[Darfur]] in 2004–05.

===First and Second Congo Wars (1996–2003)===
Three Mi-24s were used by Mobutu's army and were later acquired by the new [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_485.shtml |title= Mil-Helicopters in World-Wide Service, Part 1 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |first= Tom |last= Cooper |date= 26 November 2004 |access-date= 25 May 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070513150959/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_485.shtml/ |archive-date= 13 May 2007 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref> These were supplied to Zaire in 1997 as part of a French-Serbian contract. At least one was flown by Serbian mercenaries. One hit a power line and crashed on 27 March 1997, killing the three crew and four passengers.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Cooper |first1= Tom |first2= Pit |last2= Weinert |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_190.shtml |title= Zaire/DR Congo since 1980 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |date= 2 September 2003 |access-date= 26 August 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070730065639/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_190.shtml |archive-date= 30 July 2007 |url-status= usurped |df= dmy-all}}</ref> Zimbabwean Mi-24s were also operated in coordination with the Congolese Army.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission employed [[Indian Air Force]] Mi-24/-35 helicopters to provide support during the [[Second Congo War]]. The IAF has been operating in the region since 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceindia.com/25-jul-2k5/news19.html |first=Gautam |last=Datt |title=More troops may go to Congo |website=DefenceIndia |date=27 July 2005 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004942/http://www.defenceindia.com/25-jul-2k5/news19.html |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

=== Kosovo War (1998–1999) ===
Two second-hand Mi-24Vs procured from Ukraine earlier in the 1990s were used by the Yugoslav [[Special Operations Unit (Serbia)|Special Operation Unit]] (JSO) against Kosovo Albanian rebels during the [[Kosovo War]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dfnc.ru/en/journal/2020-5-64/mi-24s-still-serving-in-eastern-europe/|title= Mi-24s still serving in Eastern Europe|date= 20 August 2020}}</ref>

===Insurgency in Macedonia (2001)===
[[File:MAF_Mi-24.jpg|thumb|North Macedonia Mi-24V]]

The [[Army of North Macedonia|Macedonian military]] acquired used Ukrainian Mi-24Vs, which were then used frequently against Albanian insurgents during the [[2001 insurgency in Macedonia]] (now [[North Macedonia]]). The main areas of action were in Tetovo, Radusha and Aracinovo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_384.shtml |title= North Macedonia, 2001 |first=Tom |last=Cooper |publisher=Air Combat Information Group |date=30 November 2003 |access-date=27 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208074918/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_384.shtml |archive-date=8 February 2012 |url-status= usurped}}</ref>

===Ivorian Civil War (2002–2004)===
During the [[First Ivorian Civil War|Ivorian Civil War]], five Mil Mi-24s piloted by mercenaries were used in support of government forces. They were later destroyed by the [[French Army]] in retaliation for an air attack on a French base that killed nine soldiers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1288602004|first=Fred|last=Bridgland |title=Ivory Coast descends into chaos and war |website=The Scotsman |location=UK |date=8 November 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107010744/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=2578343 |archive-date=7 January 2008}}</ref>

===War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)===
[[File:Afghan Air Corps Mi-35 on Kandahar, 2009.jpg|thumb|An [[Afghan Air Force]] Mi-35 over Kandahar, 2009]]

In 2008 and 2009, the Czech Republic donated six Mi-24s under the ANA Equipment Donation Programme. As a result, the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) gained the ability to escort its own helicopters with heavily armed attack helicopters. ANAAC operates nine Mi-35s. Major Caleb Nimmo, a [[United States Air Force]] Pilot, was the first American to fly the Mi-35 Hind, or any Russian helicopter, in combat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/116650/first-american-flies-mi-35-hind-in-combat/ |title=First American flies Mi-35 HIND in combat |website=Af.mil |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718001522/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/116650/first-american-flies-mi-35-hind-in-combat/ |archive-date=18 July 2018 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/multimedia/ANSF%20OOBpage5-ANAC.pdf|title=Afghan National Security Forces Order of Battle, Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC)|journal=The Long War Journal|date=July 2009|first=CJ|last=Radin|access-date=2 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902225411/http://www.longwarjournal.org/multimedia/ANSF%20OOBpage5-ANAC.pdf|archive-date=2 September 2009| url-status= live}}</ref> On 13 September 2011, a Mi-35 of the Afghan Air Force was used to hold back an attack on ISAF and police buildings.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iBEIEhCzwzcJJLRzKR8NuDBa5Lhg?docId=fb3f8b69e74a48bb8edcd7d326937571 |title=Taliban Attack US Embassy, Other Kabul Buildings|agency=Associated Press |date=13 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The Polish Helicopter Detachment contributed Mi-24s to the [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF). The Polish pilots trained in Germany before deploying to Afghanistan and train with U.S. service personnel. On 26 January 2011, one Mi-24 caught on fire during [[takeoff|take-off]] from its base in [[Ghazni]]. One American and four Polish soldiers evacuated unharmed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.helihub.com/2011/01/26/26-jan-11-mil-mi-24-ghazni-afghanistan/ |title=Mil Mi-24 Ghazni, Afghanistan |publisher=Helihub – the Helicopter Industry Data Source |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=2012-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041927/http://www.helihub.com/2011/01/26/26-jan-11-mil-mi-24-ghazni-afghanistan/ |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

India has also donated Mi-35s to Afghanistan. Four helicopters were to be supplied, with three already transferred in January 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/why-india-transferred-attack-helicopters-to-india/ |title=Why India Transferred Attack Helicopters to Afghanistan |magazine=The Diplomat |date=1 February 2016 |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401212234/https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/why-india-transferred-attack-helicopters-to-india/ |archive-date=1 April 2016 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-11-22 |title=IAF Mi-35 attack helicopters undergoing overhaul, to add six years life |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-mi-35-attack-helicopters-undergoing-overhaul-to-add-six-years-life/article66169875.ece |access-date=2024-10-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IAF Mi-35 Attack Helicopters Undergoing Overhaul, To Add Six Years Life |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2022/11/iaf-mi-35-attack-helicopters-undergoing.html |access-date=2024-10-18}}</ref> The three Mi-35s made a big difference in the offensive against militants, according to General [[John F. Campbell (general)|John Campbell]], commander of US forces in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-multi-role-helicopters-mi-35-made-a-difference-in-afghanistan-us-general-john-campbell-2173397 |title=Indian multi-role helicopters Mi-35 made a difference in Afghanistan: US General John Campbell |publisher=DNA News |date=3 February 2016 |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308171404/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-multi-role-helicopters-mi-35-made-a-difference-in-afghanistan-us-general-john-campbell-2173397 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref>

===Iraq War (2003–2011)===
The Polish contingent in [[History of Iraq (2003–2011)|Iraq]] used six Mi-24Ds after December 2004. One of them crashed on 18 July 2006 in an air base in [[Al Diwaniyah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.gov.pl/artykul_wiecej.php?idartykul=786 |publisher=[[Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej]] |title=Śmigłowce Mi-24 w PKW w Iraku |language=pl |date=24 January 2005 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302084036/http://www.mod.gov.pl/artykul_wiecej.php?idartykul=786 |archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref> Polish Mi-24Ds used in Iraq were not returned to Poland due to their age, condition, low combat value of the Mi-24D variant, and high shipping costs; depending on their condition, they were transferred to the [[new Iraqi Army]] or scrapped.

===War in Somalia (2006–2009)===
The [[Ethiopian Air Force]] operated about three Mil Mi-35 and ten Mil Mi-24D helicopter gunships in the [[Somalia War (2006–2009)|Somali theatre]]. One was shot down near [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu International Airport]] on 30 March 2007 by Somali insurgents.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6509729.stm |title= Helicopter shot down in Somalia |publisher= BBC |date= 30 March 2007 |access-date= 30 March 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070602185733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6509729.stm |archive-date= 2 June 2007 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

===2008 Russo-Georgian War===
Mil Mi-24s were used by both sides during the [[Russo-Georgian War|fighting in South Ossetia]].<ref name="cast.ru">{{cite web |url=http://www.cast.ru/files/The_Tanks_of_August_sm_eng.pdf |title=Tanks of August |website=Cast.ru |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910191512/http://www.cast.ru/files/The_Tanks_of_August_sm_eng.pdf |archive-date=10 September 2018 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> During the war [[Georgian Air Force]] Mi-24s attacked their first targets on an early morning hour of 8 August, targeting the Ossetian presidential palace. The second target was a cement factory near [[Tskhinvali]], where major enemy forces and ammunition were located.<ref name="cast.ru"/> The last combat mission of the GAF Mi-24s was on 11 August, when a large Russian convoy, consisting of light trucks and BMP IFVs which were heading to the Georgian village of Avnevi was targeted by Mi-24s, completely destroying the convoy.<ref name="cast.ru"/> The Georgian Air Force lost 2 Mi-24s on Senaki air base. They were destroyed by Russian troops on the ground. Both helicopters were in-operational.<ref>Ираклий Аладашвили. Потери ВВС Грузии были минимальными. //Авиация и время.&nbsp;– 2008.&nbsp;– No.&nbsp;6.&nbsp; – С.19.</ref> The Russian army heavily used Mi-24s in the conflict. Russian upgraded Mi-24PNs were credited for destroying 2 Georgian T-72SIM1 tanks, using guided missiles at night time, though some sources attribute those kills to Mil Mi-28.<ref name="cast.ru"/> The Russian army did not lose any Mi-24s throughout the conflict, mainly because those helicopters were deployed to areas where Georgian air defence was not active,<ref name="cast.ru"/> though some were damaged by small arms fire and at least one Mi-24 was lost due to technical reasons.

===War in Chad (2008)===
On returning to [[Abeche]], one of the Chadian Mi-35s made a forced landing at the airport. It was claimed that it was shot down by rebels.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.demotix.com/news/chadian-helicopter-shot-down |title= Chadian helicopter shot down |date= 4 August 2008 |first= David |last= Axe |work= [[Demotix]] |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120729175115/http://www.demotix.com/news/chadian-helicopter-shot-down |archive-date= 29 July 2012 |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jxT9k5PrWs76FrrZ06cHNBbgTycw |title=Chad helicopter in 'hard landing' after air attack on rebels |agency=AFP |date=12 June 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003135450/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jxT9k5PrWs76FrrZ06cHNBbgTycw |archive-date=3 October 2012}}</ref>

===Libyan civil war (2011)===
[[File:Libyan Air Force Mil Mi-35 Lofting.jpg|thumb|A Libyan Air Force Mil Mi-35]]
The [[Libyan Air Force (1951-2011)|Libyan Air Force]] Mi-24s were used by both sides to attack enemy positions during the [[2011 Libyan civil war]].<ref>{{citation |url= http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-17-2011/march/options-in-libya-after-un-vote/ |publisher= IISS |title= Strategic Comments |volume= 17 |date= 2011 |contribution= Options in Libya after UN vote |access-date= 4 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110531190113/http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-17-2011/march/options-in-libya-after-un-vote/ |archive-date= 31 May 2011 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref> A number were captured by the rebels, who formed the [[Free Libyan Air Force]] together with other captured air assets. During the battle for Benina airport, one Mi-35 (serial number 853), was destroyed on the ground on 23 February 2011. In the same action, serial number 854 was captured by the rebels together with an Mi-14 (serial number 1406).{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} Two Mi-35s operating for the pro-[[Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi]] Libyan Air Force were destroyed on the ground on 26 March 2011 by French aircraft enforcing the no-fly zone.<ref>{{citation |publisher= Défense |place= FR |url= http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-8 |language= fr |series= Opérations |title= Actualités |contribution= Libye: point de situation, opération Harmattan |number= 8 |access-date= 27 March 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120615212606/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-operation-harmattan-n-8 |archive-date= 15 June 2012 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref> One Free Libyan Air Force Mi-25D (serial number 854, captured at the beginning of the revolt) violated the no-fly-zone on 9 April 2011 to strike loyalist positions in Ajdabiya. It was shot down by Libyan ground forces during the action. The pilot, Captain Hussein Al-Warfali, died in the crash.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} The rebels claimed that a number of other Mi-25s were shot down.

===2010–2011 Ivorian crisis===
[[Ukrainian army]] Mi-24P helicopters as part of the [[United Nations]] peacekeeping force fired four missiles at a pro-[[Gbagbo]] military camp in [[Ivory Coast]]'s main city of [[Abidjan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/ivoryCoastNews/idAFLDE73322Z20110404|work=Reuters|title=U.N. helicopters fire on Gbagbo army camp – witnesses|date=4 April 2011|access-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620015611/http://af.reuters.com/article/ivoryCoastNews/idAFLDE73322Z20110404|archive-date=20 June 2017| url-status= dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Syrian Civil War (2011–present)===
{{See also|List of aviation shootdowns and accidents during the Syrian Civil War}}
The [[Syrian Air Force]] has used Mi-24s during the ongoing [[Syrian civil war|Syrian Civil War]], including in many of the country's major cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq-5-tlFfwk |title=Syrian forces attack Aleppo |publisher=YouTube |date=25 July 2012 |access-date=2012-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018191010/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq-5-tlFfwk |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Controversy has surrounded an alleged delivery of Mi-25s{{By whom|date=February 2023}} to the Syrian military, due to Turkey and other NATO members disallowing such arms shipments through their territory.{{Vague|date=June 2023}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/docs-to-retrieve-attack-helicopters-from-russia-syria-asks-iraq-for-help?google_editors_picks=true|title=To Retrieve Attack Helicopters from Russia, Syria Asks Iraq for Help, Documents Show|publisher=[[ProPublica]]|date=29 November 2012|access-date=2012-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019212026/https://www.propublica.org/article/docs-to-retrieve-attack-helicopters-from-russia-syria-asks-iraq-for-help?google_editors_picks=true|archive-date=19 October 2017| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 3 November 2016, a Russian Mi-35 made an emergency landing near Syria's [[Palmyra]] city, and was hit and destroyed, most likely by an unguided recoilless weapon after it touched down. The crew returned safely to the [[Khmeimim air base]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-helicopter-idUKKBN12Y2R9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104141607/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-helicopter-idUKKBN12Y2R9|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2016|title=Russian helicopter downed in Syria – agencies quoting Russia's defence ministry|website=reuters.com|date=3 November 2016|access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref>

===Second Kachin conflict (2011–present)===
The [[Myanmar Air Force]] used the Mi-24 in the [[Kachin conflict]] against the [[Kachin Independence Army]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/20131882338821649.html |title=Myanmar continues assault on Kachin rebels |publisher=AlJazeera |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=2013-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110033935/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/20131882338821649.html |archive-date=10 January 2013 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Two Mi-35 helicopters were shot down by the Kachin Independence Army during the heavy fighting in the mountains of northern Burma in 2012 and early 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/army-lost-2-helicopters-suffered-heavy-personnel-losses-past-kachin-offensive-report.html|title=Army Lost 2 Helicopters, Suffered Heavy Personnel Losses in Past Kachin Offensive: Report|date=24 March 2014}}</ref>

On 3 May 2021, in the morning, a Myanmar Air Force Mi-35 was shot down by the Kachin Independence Army, hit by a MANPADS during air raids involving attack helicopters and fighter jets. A video emerged showing the helicopter being hit while flying over a village.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fighterjetsworld.com/air/myanmar-army-helicopter-shot-down-by-kachin-independence-army/25808/|title= Myanmar Army Helicopter Shot Down by Kachin Independence Army|date= 4 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/04/asia/myanmar-military-helicopter-parcel-bomb-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Kachin rebels shoot down military helicopter as parcel bomb kills 5 in central Myanmar |website=CNN|date=4 May 2021}}</ref>

===Post-U.S. Iraqi insurgency===
[[Iraq]] ordered a total of 34 Mi-35Ms in 2013, as part of an arms deal with Russia that also included Mi-28 attack helicopters.<ref>{{harvnb|Delalande|2016|p=38}}</ref> The delivery of the first four was announced by then-[[Prime Minister of Iraq|Prime Minister]] [[Nuri al-Maliki]] in November 2013.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/29741/iraq-starts-taking-delivery-of-russian-mi-35-helicopters "Iraq Starts Taking Delivery of Russian Mi-35 Helicopters"]. IHS Jane's {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128102825/http://www.janes.com/article/29741/iraq-starts-taking-delivery-of-russian-mi-35-helicopters |date=28 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fgAWkXbLGU |title=قيادة طيران الجيش تتسلم مروحيات Iraq Receives helicopters mi-35 |website=YouTube |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130213648/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fgAWkXbLGU |archive-date=30 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Their first deployment began in late December against camps of the al-Qaeda linked [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) and several Islamist militants in the [[al-Anbar province]] that had taken control of several areas of [[Fallujah]] and [[Ramadi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/al-qaeda-iraq-542442 |title=Al Qaeda's use of old camps sparks tension, violence in Iraq |website=Al Bawaba |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115160753/http://www.albawaba.com/news/al-qaeda-iraq-542442 |archive-date=15 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> FLIR footage of the strikes has been released by the military.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-13LkjXGjxU |title=Iraqi Military Destroys ISIL Camps In Anbar |website=YouTube |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018191011/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-13LkjXGjxU |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 3 October 2014, [[ISIL]] militants reportedly used a [[FN-6]] shoulder-launched missile in [[Baiji, Iraq|Baiji]] to shoot down an Iraqi Army Mi-35M attack helicopter.<ref name=nyt-2014010-26>{{cite news |author1=Kirk Semple And Eric Schmitt |title=Missiles of ISIS May Pose Peril for Aircrews in Iraq |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/world/middleeast/missiles-of-isis-may-pose-peril-for-aircrews.html?_r=0 |access-date=2 November 2014 |work=[[New York Times]] |date=26 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102215827/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/world/middleeast/missiles-of-isis-may-pose-peril-for-aircrews.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Video footage released by ISIL militants shows at least another two Iraqi Mi-35s brought down by light anti-aircraft artillery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/39550/iraqi-abrams-losses-revealed |title=Iraqi Abrams losses revealed |author=Jeremy Binnie |website=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502182619/http://www.janes.com/article/39550/iraqi-abrams-losses-revealed |archive-date=2 May 2015 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Balochistan Insurgency (2012–present) ===
In 2018, Pakistan received 4 Mi-35M Hind-E Gunships from Russia under the $153 million deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1209539|title=Pakistan's tool of war: Why the Mi-35 Hind-E is an excellent choice|author=Ali Osman|date=29 September 2015|website=Dawn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/941225/russia-agrees-to-sell-pakistan-four-mi-35-attack-helicopters|title=Russia agrees to sell Pakistan four MI-35 attack helicopters|author=Kamran Yousaf|date=19 August 2015|website=The Express Tribune}}</ref> They are now stationed at the [[Pakistan Army Aviation Corps|Army Aviation Corps]] base at [[Quetta Cantonment]]. The gunships have since been used in several counter insurgency operations against various militant groups in the [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]] province of Pakistan.
In early 2022, a base in [[Nushki]] and a check-post in [[Panjgur]] belonging to the [[Frontier Corps]] Balochistan [[Paramilitary]] were attacked by [[Balochistan Liberation Army|BLA]] terrorists. The attack in Nushki was swiftly repulsed but the situation in Panjgaur was not good to which Mi-35 Hind and [[AH-1 Cobra|AH-1F Cobra]] gunships were called in for support. It provided much needed ground support and reconnaissance in the counter offensive which led to success.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1672907|title=ISPR says attacks repulsed in Balochistan's Naushki and Panjgur; 4 terrorists killed|first=Ghalib|last=Nihad|date=2 February 2022|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1489572679254528001|user=TBPEnglish|title=The Balochistan Post|date=4 February 2022}}</ref>

===Russian annexation of Crimea (2014)===
During the [[annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]], Russia deployed 13 Mi-24s to support their infantry as they advanced through the region. However these aircraft saw no combat during their deployment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/28/crimea-russian-choppers/ |title=The Aviationist " New video shows 12 Russian Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters in Crimea |website=The Aviationist |date=28 February 2014 |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013122940/http://theaviationist.com/2014/02/28/crimea-russian-choppers/ |archive-date=13 October 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===War in Donbas (2014-2022)===
[[File:Практичне авіанаведення українських екіпажів Мі-24 по умовних цілях противника 04.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian Mil Mi-24 during training at the time of the war in Donbas]]
During the [[Siege of Sloviansk]], on 2 May 2014, two Ukrainian Mi-24s were shot down by pro-Russian insurgents. The Ukrainian armed forces claim that they were downed by MANPADS while on patrol close to Sloviansk.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=165939|title=ASN Aircraft accident 02-MAY-2014 Mil Mi-24P 02 YELLOW|author=Harro Ranter|website=Aviation-safety.net|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030234122/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=165939|archive-date=30 October 2014| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Ukrainian government confirmed that both aircraft were shot down, along with an Mi-8 damaged by small arms fire. Initial reports mentioned two dead and others wounded; later, five crew members were confirmed dead and one taken prisoner until being released on 5 May.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/37330/two-ukrainian-mi-24s-shot-down-by-manpads |title=Two Ukrainian Mi-24s shot down by MANPADS |access-date=13 November 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113174150/http://www.janes.com/article/37330/two-ukrainian-mi-24s-shot-down-by-manpads |archive-date=13 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.gov.ua/index.php?lang%3Den%26part%3Dnews%26sub%3Dread%26id%3D34408 |title=News |access-date=8 May 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506112517/http://www.mil.gov.ua/index.php?lang=en&part=news&sub=read&id=34408 |archive-date=6 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.gov.ua/index.php?lang%3Den%26part%3Dnews%26sub%3Dread%26id%3D34324 |title=News |access-date=8 May 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508005939/http://www.mil.gov.ua/index.php?lang=en&part=news&sub=read&id=34324 |archive-date=8 May 2014}}</ref>

On 5 May 2014, another Ukrainian Mi-24 was forced to make an emergency landing after being hit by machine gun fire while on patrol close to Sloviansk. The Ukrainian forces recovered the two pilots and destroyed the helicopter with a rocket strike by an [[Sukhoi Su-25|Su-25]] aircraft to prevent its capture by pro-Russian insurgents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=166010 |title=ASN Aircraft accident 05-MAY-2014 Mil Mi-24P Hind 29 RED |author=Harro Ranter |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030235107/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=166010 |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Ukrainian Su-25s, with [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] fighters providing top cover, supported Mi-24s during the battle for [[Donetsk International Airport|Donetsk Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/27/ukrainian-offensive-donetsk/ |title=The Aviationist " Impressive Videos of the Ukrainian Air Strikes on Donetsk |website=The Aviationist |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119214614/http://theaviationist.com/2014/05/27/ukrainian-offensive-donetsk/ |archive-date=19 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 13 October 2018, a Ukrainian Mi-24 shot down an [[Orlan-10]] [[UAV]] using cannon fire near [[Lysychansk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.funker530.com/russian-drone-cannons/|title=Ukrainian Mi-24 Takes Down Russian Drone With Cannons|date=15 October 2018|website=funker530.com|access-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123719/https://www.funker530.com/russian-drone-cannons/|archive-date=9 December 2018| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Chadian offensive against Boko Haram (2015)===
Chadian Mi-24s were used during the [[2015 West African offensive]] against [[Boko Haram]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Offensive contre Boko Haram|first=Patrick|last=Forestier|date=17 April 2015|newspaper=[[Paris Match]]|url=https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/International/Offensive-contre-Boko-Haram-746762|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035042/https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/International/Offensive-contre-Boko-Haram-746762|archive-date=29 August 2018| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Azerbaijan-Karabakh (2014–2016, 2020)===
On 12 November 2014, Azerbaijani forces [[2014 Armenian Mil Mi-24 shootdown|shot down]] an Armenian forces Mi-24 from a formation of two which were flying along the disputed border, close to the frontline between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in the disputed Karabakh territory. The helicopter was hit by an Igla-S shoulder-launched missile fired by Azerbaijani soldiers while flying at low altitude and crashed, killing all three on board.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30025296 |title=Azerbaijan downs Armenian helicopter |work=BBC News |date=12 November 2014 |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114182306/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30025296 |archive-date=14 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=171197|title=ASN Aircraft accident 12-NOV-2014 Mil Mi-24|author=Harro Ranter|website=Aviation-safety.net|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112224139/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=171197|archive-date=12 November 2014| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjNjJixb1n8 |title=Ağdamda helikopterin vurulma anı (həqiqi görüntülər) |website=YouTube |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113215425/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjNjJixb1n8 |archive-date=13 November 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 2 April 2016, during a [[2016 Karabakh clashes|clash between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces]], an Azerbaijani Mi-24 helicopter was shot down by "Nagorno-Karabakh" forces. The downing was confirmed by the Azerbaijani defence ministry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/94597.html|title=Azerbaijani armed forces destroy 10 Armenian tanks and servicemen – Update |date=3 April 2016|website=AzerNews.az|access-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210015935/https://www.azernews.az/nation/94597.html|archive-date=10 December 2018| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844717/nkr-defense-army-releases-fresh-data-on-downed-azerbaijani-helicopter.html|title=NKR Defense Army releases fresh data on downed Azerbaijani helicopter|website=armenpress.am|date=23 April 2016 |access-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063233/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844717/nkr-defense-army-releases-fresh-data-on-downed-azerbaijani-helicopter.html|archive-date=10 December 2018| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="wsjapril2">{{cite news|last1=Hodge|first1=Nathan|title=A Dozen Dead in Heavy Fighting Reported in Nagorno-Karabakh|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/heavy-fighting-reported-in-nagorno-karabakh-1459597114|access-date=2 April 2016|work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|date=2 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402123801/http://www.wsj.com/articles/heavy-fighting-reported-in-nagorno-karabakh-1459597114|archive-date=2 April 2016| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=aida sultanova, associated press |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/armenia-heavy-fighting-nagorno-karabakh-helicopter-hit-38102214 |title=Azerbaijan Says 12 of Its Soldiers Killed in Fighting |website=Abcnews.go.com |access-date=2016-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402201923/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/armenia-heavy-fighting-nagorno-karabakh-helicopter-hit-38102214 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

On 9 November 2020, during the [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war|Nagorno-Karabakh war]] a [[2020 Russian Mil Mi-24 shootdown|Russian Mi-24 was shot down]] by Azerbaijani forces with a MANPADS.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2020/11/09/russian-mi-24-hind-gunship-shot-down-in-armenia-two-crewmembers-dead/ |title= Russian Mi-24 Hind Gunship Shot Down in Armenia, Two Crewmembers Dead |date= 9 November 2020}}</ref> The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry stated that the downing was an accident. Two crew members were killed and one sustained moderate injuries. The Russian defence ministry confirmed the downing in a press release the same day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-admits-accidentally-shooting-down-the-russian-helicopter-offers-apology-342013|title=Azerbaijan admits accidentally shooting down the Russian helicopter, offers apology|website=WION|date=9 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)===
During the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], both Ukraine and Russia have used Mi-24 helicopters. On 1 March 2022, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Mi-35M helicopter with MANPADS, in the Kyiv Reservoir (see also [[Battle of Kyiv (2022)|Battle of Kyiv]]). On 5 May 2022, the helicopter was retrieved by Ukrainian engineers in [[Vyshgorod]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/a-russian-helicopter-was-lifted-from-the-bottom-of-the-kyiv-sea/|title=A Russian helicopter was lifted from the bottom of the Kyiv Sea|language=en|work=Mil.in.ua|date=5 May 2022}}</ref> Two Russian Mi-35 were shot down by a MANPADS on 5 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/03/5/7328482/|title=Глава Миколаївщини заявив про 3 збиті вертольоти ворога. ВМС плюсують ще один|work=Pravda ua |language=uk|date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2022-03-05 |title=Video of Ukrainian MANPADS Shooting Down Russian Gunship Helicopter Surfaces |url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/05/video-of-gunship-downed-by-manpads/ |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> On 6 March, one Mi-24P with registration number ''RF-94966'' was shot down by Ukrainian MANPADS in Kyiv Oblast.<ref name="TC2">{{cite web |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/against-ukraine-russia-is-deploying-its-sukhoi-su-34-attack-aircraft-armed-with-dumb-bombs-because-it-lacks-pgms-and-poland-wont-donate-its-mig-29s-to-kyiv/ |title=Against Ukraine, Russia is deploying its Sukhoi Su-34 attack aircraft armed with Dumb Bombs because it lacks PGMs (And Poland Won't donate its MiG-29s to Kyiv)|work=The Aviation Geek Club |first=Tom|last=Cooper|date=7 March 2022|quote=(elevated) terrain and vegetation in the background. This photo is probably showing the wreckage of the Mi-24 shot down on 5 Mar, in the Bashtanka area.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/276264|work=Aviation Safety Network|date=6 March 2022|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 276264}}</ref> On 8 March 2022 one Ukrainian Mil Mi-24 from the {{ill|Ukrainian 16th Army Aviation Brigade|uk|16-та окрема бригада армійської авіації (Україна)}} was lost over [[Brovary]], Kyiv. Pilots Col. Oleksandr Maryniak and Cptn. Ivan Bezzub were killed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novynarnia.com/2022/03/11/u-lvivskij-oblasti-poproshhalysya/|title=У Львівській області попрощалися з екіпажем Мі-24, котрий збили окупанти в бою на Київщині |language=uk|date=11 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3324780/u_boyu_za_kyyiv_zagynuv_viyiskovyyi_lotchyk_oleksandr_marynyak_foto |title=У бою за Київ загинув військовий льотчик Олександр Мариняк. ФОТО Джерело|work=Censor Net |language=uk|date=13 March 2022 |last1=Нет |first1=Цензор }}</ref> On 17 March a Russian Mi-35M was reported destroyed by [[Ukrainian Ministry of Defence]], unknown location.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/znajdeno-ulamky-rosijskogo-vertolota-my-35/|work=mil.in.ua|date=17 March 2022|title=Знайдено уламки російського вертольота Ми-35|language=uk}}</ref> On 1 April 2022, two Ukrainian Mi-24s reportedly entered Russia and [[Attack on Belgorod|attacked]] an oil storage facility in [[Belgorod]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2022-04-01 |title=Russia blames Ukraine for fuel depot blast; Kyiv denies role |url=https://www.wtnh.com/news/russia-blames-ukraine-for-fuel-depot-blast-kyiv-denies-role/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=[[WTNH]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2022, the Czech Republic donated Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Czech Republic Gives Ukraine Attack Helicopters |last=Hinshaw |first=Drew |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=May 23, 2022 |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-05-23/card/czech-republic-gives-ukraine-attack-helicopters-y9RBnaZj6fD3N8Jzt48h}}</ref> In July 2023, it was reported that Poland secretly donated at least a dozen Mi-24s to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poland secretly handed over Mi-24s to Ukraine – Militarnyi |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/poland-secretly-handed-over-mi-24s-to-ukraine/ |website=mil.in.ua |access-date=9 July 2023}}</ref>

As of 27 May 2025, visually confirmed losses compiled by Oryx blog are listed as following: 4 Mi-24P, 4 Mi-24V/P/35M, 10 Mi-35M for the Russian side, and 2 Mi-24P and 7 Mi-24 of unknown variant for the Ukrainian side.<ref>{{cite news |title=Air losses during invasion of Ukraine |date=August 29, 2024
|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html?m=1https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html?m=1}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{main|List of Mil Mi-24 variants}}

==Operators==
[[File:Mil Mi-24 operators.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators {{legend|#0b60d4|Current}}{{legend|#dc0023|Former}}]]

;{{Flagcountry|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan}}
* [[Afghan Air Force]] - 8 Mi-25s as of 2021<ref name="World Air Forces 20213">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2021 |title=World Air Forces 2021 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2021/141456.article |url-access=registration |accessdate=4 May 2021 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{DZA}}
* [[Algerian Air Force]] - 30 Mi-24MKIIIs as of 2024<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |author=The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 18, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781040051153 |pages=345}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Angola}}
* [[People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola|Angolan Air Force]] - 15 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20245">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{ARM}}
* [[Armenian Air Force]] - 20 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=21 March 2024 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
;{{AZE}}
* [[Azerbaijani Air Forces]] - 23 Mi-24Vs and 25 Mi-35s as of 2024<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Military Balance 2025 |publisher=IISS |year=2025 |isbn=}}</ref>
;{{BLR}}
* [[Belarus Air Force]] - 25 Mi-35s as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20243">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=26 December 2023 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=В Белоруссии ожидают поставку еще четырех вертолетов Ми-35 к концу года |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/0821/095074830/detail.shtml |access-date=2023-12-26 |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2024-04-07 |title=Минобороны: Беларусь получила на вооружение партию российских вертолетов Ми-35М |url=https://www.belta.by/society/view/partija-vertoletov-mi-35m-postupila-na-vooruzhenie-v-belorusskuju-armiju-626349-2024 |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Белорусское телеграфное агентство |language=ru |ref={{sfnref |Белорусское телеграфное агентство |2024}}}}</ref>
[[File:Mil Mi-35 (15077654075).jpg|thumb|Brazilian Air Force Mi-35M]]
[[File:Mil Mi-24 belly.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Bulgarian Air Force]] Mi-24 in flight]]
; {{BUL}}
* [[Bulgarian Air Force]] - 6 Mi-24V (6 Mi-24D Hind D in store) as of 2025<ref name=":0" />
;{{Flag|Burkina Faso}}
* [[Burkina Faso Armed Forces#Air Force|Burkina Faso Air Force]] - 2 Mi-24s as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 20232">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=23 November 2022 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{BDI}}
* [[National Defence Force (Burundi)]]- 2 Mi-35s as of 2012<ref name="IISS_2012_425">IISS (2012), p. 425.</ref>
;{{flag|Chad}}
* [[Chadian Air Force]] - 3 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20244">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=26 March 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
; {{flag|Congo, Republic of the}}
* [[Congolese Air Force]] - 1 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20246">{{cite news |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |newspaper=Flight Global |publisher=flightglobal.com |doi=}}</ref>
;{{flaglist|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
* [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese Democratic Air Force]] - 8 Mi-35s as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20247">{{cite web |year=2023 |editor-last=Hoyle |editor-first=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
;{{CUB}}
* [[Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force|Cuban Air Force]] - 4 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20248">{{cite news |last= |first= |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98602 |access-date=30 November 2023 |newspaper=Flight Global |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
[[File:Mil Mi 24 - RIAT 2007 (2544153657).jpg|thumb|A Czech Air Force Mi-24]]
;{{DJI}}
* [[Djibouti Air Force]] - 2 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202452">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Egypt}}
* [[Egyptian Air Force]] - 13 Mi-24V as of 2024<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |title=Military Balance 2024 |publisher=IISS |year=2024 |isbn=978-1032780047}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Eritrea}}
* [[Eritrean Air Force]] - 6 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20249">{{cite report |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |date=December 2023 |publisher=Flight Global Insight |location=London |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Ethiopia}}
* [[Ethiopian Air Force]] - 6 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202410">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=4 April 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
[[File:Mi-24 N09 l.JPG|thumb|Georgian Air Force Mi-24]]
;{{Flag|Georgia}}
* [[Georgian Air Force]] - 9 Mi-24 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202411">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=22 March 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Guinea}}
* [[Military of Guinea#Air Force|Guinean Air Force]] - 3 Mi-25 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202453">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
[[File:Mi-24 Airshow 2007 Hungary 01.JPG|thumb|Hungarian Mi-24]]
;{{HUN}}
* [[Hungarian Air Force]] - 6 Mi-24V and 2 Mi-24P as of 2025<ref name=":0" />
;{{Flag|India}}
* [[Indian Air Force]] - 15 Mi-25/35 as of 2023<ref name=":12">{{cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105033828/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |archive-date=5 January 2024 |access-date=13 April 2024}}</ref>
;{{IDN}}
[[File:Garuda Shield (15030956879).jpg|thumb|An [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64E Apache Guardian]], and a Mi-35 from [[Indonesian Army]]]]
* [[Indonesian Army]] - 7 Mi-35P<ref name=":12" />
;{{flag|Iraq}}
* [[Iraqi Army Aviation Command|Iraqi Army Aviation]] - 15 Mi-35<ref name=":12" />
;{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}
* [[Military of Kazakhstan]] - 12 Mi-35M as of 2024<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |title=Military Balance 2024 |publisher=IISS |year=2024 |isbn=978-1032780047}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
* [[Military of Kyrgyzstan]] - 2 Mi-24V as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 20234">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=24 December 2022 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{LBY}}
* [[Libyan Air Force]] as of 2019<ref name="World Air Forces 2019">{{cite web |year=2019 |title=World Air Forces 2019 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2019/135699.article |url-access=subscription |access-date=14 October 2019 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Mali}}
*[[Military of Mali Air Force|Air Force of Mali]] - 7 Mi-35M as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 20242">{{cite report |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |date=December 2023 |publisher=Flight Global Insight |location=London |page=24 |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Mozambique}}
* Mozambique Air Force - 2 Mi-25 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=10 January 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{MYA}}
* [[Myanmar Air Force]] - 24 Mi-35P<ref name=":12" />
;{{Flag|Namibia}}
* [[Namibian Air Force]] - 2 Mi-35 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 20233">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=10 January 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
[[File:Nigerian Air Force Mil Mi-24V Iwelumo-2.jpg|thumb|Nigerian Air Force Mil Mi-24V]]
;{{Flaglist|Niger}}
* [[Air Force of Niger]] - 1 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202412">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217131155/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |accessdate=15 January 2024 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Nigeria}}
* [[Nigerian Air Force]] - 15 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202413">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217131155/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |accessdate=15 January 2024 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Army]] - 4 Mi-35M3 as of 2022<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2022 |title=World Air Forces 2022 |url=https://www.https/ |url-access=registration |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819141428/http://https/ |archive-date=19 August 2013 |access-date=2 August 2022 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
[[File:MI-35P FAP Peru.jpg|thumb|Peruvian Air Force Mi-25D]]
;{{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]] - 16 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202415">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=17 April 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{POL}}
* [[Polish Land Forces]] - 16 Mi-24D/V as of 2025<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Russian Air Force Mil Mi-24P Dvurekov-3.jpg|thumb|A Russian Air Force Mil Mi-35P]]
;{{RUS}}
* [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] - 96 Mi-24D/V/P, 56 Mi-35P<ref name=":0" />
* [[Russian Navy]] - 8 Mi-24P<ref name=":0" />
* [[Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation|Border Service of Russia]]<ref name="AI511 p112">Mladenov ''Air International'' May 2011, p. 112.</ref>
;{{Flag|Rwanda}}
* [[Rwandan Air Force]] - 5 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202416">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=11 March 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
[[File:Sadejstvo 2020 - Mi-35M 35104 VS 04.jpg|thumb|Serbian Mil Mi-35M during ''Sadejstvo 2020'' military exercise]]
;{{Flag|Serbia}}
* [[Serbian Air Force]] 2 Mi-24, 4 Mi-35M<ref name=":0" />
;{{Flag|Senegal}}
* [[Senegalese Air Force]] - 3 Mi-35 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 20235">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=14 February 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{flag|Sierra Leone}}
* [[Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces|Sierra Leone Air Wing]] - 2 Mi-35 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 20236">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2023 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90688 |url-access=registration |accessdate=14 February 2023 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Sri Lanka}}
* [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] - 9 Mi-35V<ref name="World Air Forces 202422">{{cite report |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |date=December 2023 |publisher=Flight Global Insight |location=London |page=30 |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217131155/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |url-status=live |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Sudan}}
* [[Sudanese Air Force]] - 35 Mi-35 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 202417">{{cite report |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |website=FlightGlobal |publisher=Flight Global Insight |page=30 |access-date=12 December 2023 |location=London |date=December 2023}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Syria}}
* [[Syrian Air Force]] - 27 Mi-25 as of 2023<ref name="World Air Forces 202418">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=14 April 2024 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Tajikistan}}
* [[Tajik Air Force]] - 6 Mi-25 as of 2022<ref name="World Air Forces 20222">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2022 |title=World Air Forces 2022 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article |url-access=registration |accessdate=9 February 2022 |publisher=Flightglobal |doi=}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Turkmenistan}}
* [[Military of Turkmenistan]] as of 2019<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/>
[[File:Uganda People's Defence Force Air Wing Mil Mi-24V MTI-1.jpg|thumb|Uganda People's Defence Force Air Wing Mil Mi-24V]]
;{{Flag|Uganda}}
* [[Ugandan Air Force]] - 6 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name=":02">{{cite web |last=Embraer |first=In association with |title=2024 World Air Forces directory |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref>
;{{UKR}}
* [[Ukrainian Ground Forces]] - 45 Mi-24<ref name=":0" />
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Air Force]] - (used for aggressor training)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-trained-on-russian-mi24-hind-helicopter-gunships-arizona-2020-1|title=The Air Force trained with Russian helicopter gunships in Arizona |publisher= Business Insider |access-date= 9 June 2021}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Uzbekistan}}
* [[Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces]] - 33 Mi-35<ref name="World Air Forces 202419">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=2024-04-29 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Venezuela}}
* [[Army of Venezuela]] - 9 Mi-35<ref name=":03">{{cite web |title=The Military Balance 2021 |url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=IISS |language=en}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Yemen}}
* [[Yemen Air Force]] - 14 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202420">{{cite web |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |url-access=registration |accessdate=1 October 2024 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |doi=}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Zimbabwe}}
* [[Air Force of Zimbabwe]] - 6 Mi-35 as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces 202454">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=12 December 2023 |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref>

===Former operators===
; {{ARM}}
* [[Artsakh Defence Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-20 |title=Azerbaijan Ends Fighting in Disputed Region as Armenians Concede |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-20/azerbaijan-defies-us-eu-pressure-to-end-attack-on-armenians |access-date=2023-09-20}}</ref>
; {{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aeroflap.com.br/fab-esta-desativando-seus-dois-ultimos-mi-35/ |title=FAB está desativando seus dois últimos Mi-35 |date=3 August 2022}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Croatia}}
* [[Croatian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/croatia/af2/types/mil.htm |title= Croatia Air Force |publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date= 10 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112704/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/croatia/af2/types/mil.htm |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Cyprus}}
* [[Cypriot National Guard]] – 11 helicopters sold to Serbia in November 2023<ref>{{cite web |title=President Vučić Inspected Newly-Acquired Weapons and Military Equipment for the Serbian Armed Forces |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/serbia-shows-mi-24p-hind-attack-helicopters-bought-from-cyprus/ |website=defence-aerospace.com |date=24 November 2023 |publisher=Defence-Aerospace |access-date=26 November 2023}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
* [[Czech Air Force]] – Retired and transferred to Ukraine in August 2023.<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Finnerty |first1=Ryan |title=Czech AH-1Zs take flight, as Prague retires Mi-24s bound for Ukraine |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/czech-ah-1zs-take-flight-as-prague-retires-mi-24s-bound-for-ukraine/154614.article |website=Flight Global |access-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820111814/https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/czech-ah-1zs-take-flight-as-prague-retires-mi-24s-bound-for-ukraine/154614.article |archive-date=20 August 2023 |date=17 August 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Czechoslovakia}}
[[Czechoslovak Air Force]]<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202499.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 p. 49 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131101234551/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202499.html |archive-date= 1 November 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/983/ |title= Czechoslovak army air force |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102161748/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/983/ |archive-date= 2 November 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
[[Military of Equatorial Guinea#Air Force|Equatorial Guinean Air Force]]<ref name=":3" />
;{{Flag|East Germany}}
* [[Air Forces of the National People's Army|East German Air Force]] – transferred to Germany on reunification<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202500.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 pg. 50 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517114426/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202500.html |archive-date= 17 May 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1442/ |title= landstreitkrafte Mil Mi-24 |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102162429/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1442/ |archive-date= 2 November 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Germany}}
* [[German Army]] – inherited from East Germany in 1990, retired 1993.<ref name="Who Else Used It?">{{cite web |title=Who Else Used It?|publisher=nationalcoldwarexhibition.org|url=http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/research/collections/mil-mi-24-hind/who-else-used-it/|access-date=2013-03-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214013432/http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/research/collections/mil-mi-24-hind/who-else-used-it/|archive-date=14 February 2015| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{flagicon image|Flag of the People's Republic of Kampuchea.svg}} [[People's Republic of Kampuchea|Kampuchea]]
* [[Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Armed Forces|Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Air Force]]<ref name=trade>{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2014-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{NIC}}
* [[Nicaraguan Air Force|Fuerza Aérea Sandinista]]<ref name="Who Else Used It?"/>
;{{Flag|North Macedonia}}
* [[Air Force of North Macedonia]]<ref name="Who Else Used It?" />
;{{Flag|Slovakia}}
* [[Slovak Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.gov.sk/data/files/2596.pdf |title=Slovakia Mi-24 were withdrawn from service |access-date=2016-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305060753/http://www.mod.gov.sk/data/files/2596.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://presov.korzar.sme.sk/c/6064088/vrtulniky-mi-24-vzlietli-v-presove-naposledy.html|title=Vrtuľníky Mi-24 vzlietli v Prešove naposledy|author=SME – Petit Press, a.s.|website=presov.korzar.sme.sk|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113175024/http://presov.korzar.sme.sk/c/6064088/vrtulniky-mi-24-vzlietli-v-presove-naposledy.html|archive-date=13 November 2014| url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{flag|South Yemen}}
* [[Yemen Air Force|People's Democratic Republic of Yemen Air Force]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the Southern Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2 |page=43}}</ref>
[[File:Vietnamese Air Force Mil Mi-24A MRD.jpg|thumb|Vietnam People's Air Force Mi-24]]
;{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
* [[Soviet Air Force]] – transferred to successor states<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202536.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 pg. 86 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 7 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130517015726/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202536.html |archive-date= 17 May 2013 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/explore/cold-war-aircraft-information.cfm?aircraft=Mil%20Mi-24%20Hind&topic=Who%20Else%20Used%20It? |title= Soviet Union |publisher= nationalcoldwarexhibition.org |access-date= 7 March 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131106110754/http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/explore/cold-war-aircraft-information.cfm?aircraft=Mil%20Mi-24%20Hind&topic=Who%20Else%20Used%20It%3F |archive-date= 6 November 2013 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

;{{Flag|Serbia and Montenegro|name=Yugoslavia}}
* [[JSO (Special Operations Unit)|Special Operations Unit]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/secur/serbia-security-home.htm |title=Serbia Paramilitary Police |website=Aeroflight.co.uk |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100807/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/yugo/serbia/secur/serbia-security-home.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Transnistria}}
*[[Transnistria Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=10360 |title=Tiraspol Air Base – Transnistria, Moldova |work=eurodemobbed.org.uk |access-date=22 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://revista22.ro/international/ce-trupe-si-armament-exista-in-transnistria-5000-de-militari-interni-si-1500-ilegal-de-la-rusi|title=Ce trupe și armament există în Transnistria: 5.000 de militari interni și 1500, ilegal, de la ruși |language=ro |work=revista22.ro |date=27 April 2022}}</ref>
;{{Flag|Vietnam}}
* [[Vietnam People's Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/>

===Possible operators===
;{{PRK}}
* [[Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force]] - possibly 20 Mi-35s as of 2024.<ref name="World Air Forces 202414">{{cite news |last= |first= |year=2023 |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |access-date=3 January 2024 |newspaper=Flight Global |publisher=flightglobal.com |doi=}}</ref> May have none with claims traceable to an error by the [[Congressional Research Service]].<ref name=Mitzer99>{{cite book |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=The Armed Forces of North Korea: On the Path of Songun |publisher=Helion & Company |date=2020 |isbn=978-1-910777-14-5 |pages=99–100}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
Mi-24 helicopters can be seen in the following museums:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|Russia
|[[Central Air Force Museum]], Monino – Mi-24A, Mi-25
|-
|Belgium
|[[Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History]], Brussel – Mi-24
|-
|Brazil
| [[Museu Aeroespacial]], Rio de Janeiro – Mi-35M
|-
| Bulgaria
|{{Plainlist|
[[Plovdiv Airport]], Aviation Museum – Mi-24<ref>{{cite web |url=https://airmuseum-bg.com/en/collections/flying-machines/helicopters/# |title=Helicopters}}</ref>
[[National Museum of Military History, Bulgaria]] – Mi-24 d/b
}}
|-
|Czech Republic
|[[Prague Aviation Museum, Kbely]] – Mi-24D tactical number 0220
|-
|China
|[[Chinese Aviation Museum]], Beijing – Mi-24
|-
|Denmark
|''Panzermuseum East'', [[Slagelse]] – [[East Germany|East-German]] Mi-24P Hind-F from 1989 (construction nr.: 340339). Assigned [[National People's Army|NVA]] s/n 464, later [[German Army]] s/n 96+49.{{Cn|date=September 2024}}
|-
|Ethiopia
|[[Martyrs Memorial Monument]], [[Bahir Dar]] - Mi-24A<ref>{{cite web |title=Contributions by Subhabrata Samal |url=https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117871118345767820131/photos/@11.6023192,37.4121457,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m7!1e2!3m5!1sAF1QipMl9E09i35BDB5FCo_yAgOAZLEqkqhqyorXWYCY!2e10!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMl9E09i35BDB5FCo_yAgOAZLEqkqhqyorXWYCY%3Dw563-h260-k-no!7i4032!8i1860!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1?shorturl=1 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Contributions by Subhabrata Samal |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Germany
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr]], Berlin – Mi-24D, Mi-24P
*[[Technik Museum Speyer]]
}}
|-
|Hungary
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Museum of Hungarian Aviation]], [[Szolnok]]
*Kertészet, [[Szajol]] – Mi-24D tactical number 577
}}
|-
|Iran
|Sa'ad Abad Museum in [[Tehran]]
|-
|Latvia
|[[Riga Aviation Museum]], [[Riga]] – Mi-24A tactical number 20
|-
|Nicaragua
|Airforce Base [[Augusto C. Sandino International Airport]], [[Managua]], Mi-25 tactical number 361
|-
|Poland
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Polish Army Museum]], [[Warsaw]] – Mi-24D tactical number 013
*[[Polish Air Force Museum]], [[Dęblin]] – Mi-24D tactical number 016
}}
|-
|South Africa
|[[South African Air Force Museum]], Swartkops Air Force Base – One Mi-24A of the [[Algerian Air Force]] on display.
|-
|Slovakia
|Military History Museum, [[Piešťany]] – Mi-24D tactical number 0100<ref>[http://www.muzeum.sk/?obj=muzeum&ix=vhu_vmpn "Military History Museum, Piešťany"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626104534/http://www.muzeum.sk/?obj=muzeum&ix=vhu_vmpn |date=26 June 2013}} foto number 7</ref>
|-
|Sri Lanka
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Sri Lanka Air Force Museum]], [[Ratmalana]]
*[[Hingurakgoda Airport|SLAF Hingurakgoda]]
*[[Defence Headquarters (Sri Lanka)|Defence Headquarters Complex]], Akuregoda, [[Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforce.lk/news.php?news=6546 |title=Honouring the legacy of the Mi-24 'Hind' helicopter in SLAF History |publisher= [[Sri Lanka Air Force]]|last= |first= |date=2 March 2024 |accessdate=3 March 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303143756/https://www.airforce.lk/news.php?news=6546 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
|-
|Ukraine
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Kyiv]] – Mi-24B
*[[Ukraine State Aviation Museum]], [[Kyiv]] – Mi-24A, Mi-24D, Mi-24P, Mi-24V
}}
|-
|United Kingdom
|{{Plainlist|
*[[The Helicopter Museum (Weston)|The Helicopter Museum]], Weston-super-Mare, Somerset – Mi-24D "96+26".<ref>[http://helicoptermuseum.co.uk/eastern.htm "Eastern European Helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509233903/http://helicoptermuseum.co.uk/eastern.htm |date=9 May 2015}} ''The Helicopter Museum''. Retrieved: 10 August 2014.</ref>
*[[Midland Air Museum]], Coventry Airport – Mi-24D "Red 6" on loan from BAE SYSTEMS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://midlandairmuseum.co.uk/aircraftlist.php |title=Midland Air Museum – Explore our Exhibits – Aircraft Listing |website=Midlandairmuseum.co.uk |access-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618144027/http://midlandairmuseum.co.uk/aircraftlist.php |archive-date=18 June 2007 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
}}
|-
|United States
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Southern Museum of Flight]], [[Birmingham, Alabama]]
*[[Pima Air and Space Museum]], Tucson, Arizona
*[[Cold War Air Museum]], Lancaster, Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cwam.org/wiki/index.php/Aircraft |title=Aircraft |website=Cwam.org |access-date=13 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214204202/http://www.cwam.org/wiki/index.php/Aircraft |archive-date=14 December 2014 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*[[Russell Military Museum]], Zion, Illinois – Mi-24D "110"<ref>{{cite web |title=Russell Military Museum |url=http://Russellmilitarymuseum.com/ |access-date=17 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315112433/http://www.russellmilitarymuseum.com/ |archive-date=15 March 2019 |url-status= live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*Threat Training Facility, [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[North Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]] - Ex-[[Iraqi Air Force]] Mi-25 Hind-D sn3140<ref>{{cite web |title=Serial 346334 |url=https://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=346334 |website=Aerial Visuals Airplane Dossier}}</ref>
}}
|-
|Vietnam
|{{Plainlist|
*[[Vietnam People's Air Force Museum, Hanoi]] – Mi-24A
*[[Vietnam People's Air Force Museum, Ho Chi Minh City]] – Mi-24A
}}
|}

==Specifications (Mi-24)==
[[File:Mil Mi-24 HIND.svg|right|300px|Orthographic projection of the Mil Mi-24.]]
[[File:Mi-24 door opened at Cottbus airfield.jpg|thumb|right|Cabin door to the rear troop-utility compartment]]
[[File:Krzesiny 82RB.JPG|thumb|Possible armament configuration on Mi-24W]]
[[File:YakB-127.jpg|thumb|Yakushev-Borzov YakB-12.7 machine gun]]
[[File:Center2019Exercise-17.jpg|thumb|Mi-24 during "Centre 2019" exercise]]

{{Aircraft specs
| ref = Indian-Military.org<ref name="IMO">{{cite web |url= http://www.indian-military.org/air-force/helicopters/attack/203-mil-mi-24mi-25-mi-35-hind-akbar.html |title= Mil Mi-24, Mi-25, Mi-35 (Hind) Akbar |website= Indian-Military.org |date= 5 October 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120905100422/http://www.indian-military.org/air-force/helicopters/attack/203-mil-mi-24mi-25-mi-35-hind-akbar.html |archive-date= 5 September 2012 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=July 2021}} <!--   General characteristics-->
| prime units? = met
| crew = 2 pilots, 1 weapons system officer and 1 technician (optional)
| capacity = 8 troops / 4 stretchers / {{cvt|2400|kg|0}} cargo on an external sling
| length m = 17.5
| length note = fuselage only
:::{{cvt|19.79|m|0}} including rotors
| span m = 6.5
| span note = stub wings
| height m = 6.5
| height note = 
| wing area sqm = 
| wing area note = 
| aspect ratio = <!-- sailplanes -->
| airfoil = 
| empty weight kg = 8500
| empty weight note = 
| gross weight kg = 
| gross weight note = 
| max takeoff weight kg = 12000
| max takeoff weight note = 
| fuel capacity = 
| more general = <!--   Powerplant
-->
| eng1 number = 2
| eng1 name = [[Isotov TV3-117]]
| eng1 type = [[turboshaft]] engines
| eng1 shp = 2200
| eng1 note = 
| rot number = 1
| rot dia m = 17.3
| rot area sqm = 235.1
| rot area note = [[NACA airfoil|NACA 23012]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--   Performance
-->| max speed kmh = 335
| max speed note = 
| max speed mach = <!-- supersonic aircraft -->
| cruise speed kmh = 
| cruise speed note = 
| stall speed kmh = 
| stall speed note = 
| never exceed speed kmh = 
| never exceed speed note = 
| minimum control speed kmh = 
| minimum control speed note = 
| range km = 450
| range note = 
| combat range km = 
| combat range note = 
| ferry range km = 1000
| ferry range note = {{cn|date=November 2024}}
| endurance = <!-- if range unknown -->
| ceiling m = 4900
| ceiling note = 
| g limits = <!-- aerobatic -->
| roll rate = <!-- aerobatic -->
| climb rate ms = 12.2
| climb rate note = MI-24A
| time to altitude = 
| wing loading kg/m2 = 
| wing loading note = 
| disk loading kg/m2 = 
| disk loading note = 
| fuel consumption kg/km = 
| power/mass = 
| thrust/weight = 
| more performance = <!--   Armament
-->
| armament = ;Internal guns:
:* flexible 12.7 mm Yakushev-Borzov [[Yak-B 12.7mm machine gun|Yak-B]] [[Gatling gun]] on most variants with a maximum of 1,470 rounds of ammunition
:* fixed twin-barrel [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2|GSh-30K]] autocannon on the Mi-24P with 250 rounds of ammunition.
:* flexible twin-barrel [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23|GSh-23L]] autocannon on the Mi-24VP, Mi-24VM and Mi-35M with 450 rounds
:* flexible [[GIAT dual feed 20mm (M693) autocannon]] on Mi-24 SuperHind Mk.II/III/IV/V with 320 rounds
:* [[PK machine gun|PKB]] passenger compartment window mounted machine guns
;External stores:
:* Total payload claimed is up to 2,400 kg of external stores from Mi-24P (Russians typically claim 2,400 kg like link in first ref but link in second ref claims 2,500).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://helicopter.su/mi_24-mi_35/|title=Mi-24/Mi-35 |last= |first= |date= 25 October 2013|website=Helicopter Industry Association |publisher= |access-date=10 December 2024 |quote= |language=Russian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20110826/424675739.html|title=Вертолет Ми‑24: летно-технические характеристики. Справка |last= |first= |date= |website=Ria |publisher= |access-date=10 December 2024 |quote= |language=Russian |trans-title=Mi-24 helicopter: flight and technical characteristics. Reference}}</ref>
:* Inner hardpoints can carry at least 500&nbsp;kg.
:* Outer hardpoints can carry at least 500&nbsp;kg when carrying PTB-450 450 litre fuel tanks (fuel weight up to 378&nbsp;kg except empty tank weight), or B-8V20 rocket pod with [[S-8 (rocket)]] that weigh over 400&nbsp;kg when fully loaded with HE-FRAG-Delayed rounds for anti-armor roles (20 round loaded weight including pod is 457&nbsp;kg) or the lighter Anti-Concrete rocket (20 round loaded weight including pod is 427&nbsp;kg).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kr.pinterest.com/pin/soviet-b8v20a-rocket-pods-on-mi24-payload-is-twenty-s8-rockets-this-pod-is-optimized-for-slower-helicopters-wwwrealitymodcom--708261478880208088/ |title=Wolf Hound |last= |first= |date=22 February 2023 |website=[[Pinterest]] |publisher= |access-date=10 December 2024 |quote=}}{{RS|date=November 2024}}</ref> 4 × R-60 AIM - 2 per each 4 pylons. Also can be loaded under wingtips but cannot find any pictures or records that R-60M being fired from wingtip.
:* Wing-tip pylons can only carry the [[9M17 Fleyta|9M17 Phalanga]] (in the Mi-24A-D), the [[9K114 Shturm]] complex (in the Mi-24V-F) per each side.
;Bomb load:
:* Bombs within weight range (presumably ZAB, FAB, RBK, ODAB etc.), up to 500 kg
:* MBD multiple ejector racks (presumably MBD-4 with 4 × FAB-100)
:* KGMU2V submunition/mine dispenser pods
;First-generation armament (standard production Mi-24D):
:* [[GUV-8700]] gunpod (with a 12.7 mm Yak-B + 2&nbsp;×&nbsp;7.62 mm [[GShG-7.62 machine gun|GShG-7.62 mm]] combination or one 30 mm [[AGS-17]])
:* [[UB-16 (rocket pod)|UB-16]] [[S-5 rocket]] launchers
:* [[UB-32 (rocket pod)|UB-32]] S-5 rocket launchers
:* [[S-24 rocket|S-24]] 240 mm rocket
:* [[9M17 Fleyta]] (a pair on each wingtip pylon)
;Second-generation armament (Mi-24V, Mi-24P and most upgraded Mi-24D)
:* UPK-23-250 gunpod carrying the [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23|GSh-23L]]
:* B-8V20 a lightweight long tubed helicopter version of the [[S-8 rocket]] launcher
:* [[9K114 Shturm]] in pairs on the outer and wingtip pylons
;Anti-Air missiles
:* [[R-60 (missile)|R-60, R-60M]] Infrared missiles
: Both can be carried as either one or two per pylon.
| avionics = 
}}

==Popular culture==
<!-- ===============({{NoMoreCruft}})===============-->
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Please do not add the many minor appearances of the aircraft. This section is only for major cultural appearances where the aircraft plays a MAJOR part in the story line, or has an "especially notable" role in what is listed. A verifiable source proving the appearance's notability may be required. Random cruft, including ALL Ace Combat, Battlefield, and Metal Gear Solid appearances, and ALL anime/fiction lookalike speculation, WILL BE removed.

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<!-- ===============({{NoMoreCruft}})=============== -->
{{main|Aircraft in fiction#Mil Mi-24 'Hind'}}
The Mi-24 has appeared in several films and has been a common feature in many video games.

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[Mil Mi-8]]
* [[Mil Mi-14]]
* [[Mil Mi-28]]
* [[Mil Mi-36]]
* [[Mil Mi-40]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design. (attack capability and able to carry some troops) -->
* [[IAR 330 SOCAT]]
* [[Atlas XTP-1 Beta]]
* [[KAI_KUH-1_Surion#MAH_Marineon_(Marine_Attack_Helicopter)|Mah Marineon]]
* [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk#Export versions|Sikorsky AH-60L/S-70 Battlehawk]]
* [[Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite book|last1=Delalande|first1=Arnaud|title=Iraqi Air Power Reborn, The Iraqi air arms since 2004|date=2016|publisher=Harpia Publishing|location=Houston|isbn=978-0-9854554-7-7}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Hoyle|first=Craig |title=World Air Forces Directory|magazine=[[Flight International]]|date=11–17 December 2012|volume= 182|issue= 5370|pages=40–64|issn=0015-3710}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|title=World Air Forces Directory|magazine=Flight International|date=5–11 December 2017|volume= 192|issue= 5615|pages=26–57|issn=0015-3710}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Mladenov|first=Alexander|title=Fighting Terrorism & Enforcing the Law in Russia|magazine=[[Air International]]| date=May 2011|volume=80|issue=5|pages= 108–114|issn=0306-5634}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book|editor-last=Eden|editor-first=Paul|title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft|date=July 2006 |location=London, UK|publisher=Amber Books, 2004|isbn=978-1-904687-84-9|ref={{harvid|Eden|2004}}}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Mil Mi-24}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120905100422/http://www.indian-military.org/air-force/helicopters/attack/203-mil-mi-24mi-25-mi-35-hind-akbar.html Mil Mi-24, Mi-25, Mi-35 Hind Akbar at Indian military database]
* [http://www.czechairspotters.com/search.php?generic_type=t11&airline=&airport=&category=&author=&order=1&per_page=15 CzechAirSpotters gallery of Mi-24]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060430072140/http://www.photoka.info/mi24pn/index.htm Mi-24PN Gallery]
* [http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avhind1.html Mi-24 service, tactics and variants]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101219064237/http://defence.lk/videos/20080815Rescue.wmv A Rescue Mission by Sri Lanka Air Force with Mi-24]
* [http://hind.zuby-broumov.cz/ Mi-24 Hind from modeller`s view]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091014074816/http://walkarounds.airforce.ru/avia/rus/mil/mi-24d/index.htm Mi-24D walkaround photos]

{{Mil aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1960s Soviet attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s Soviet helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1969]]
[[Category:Gunships]]
[[Category:Attack helicopters]]
[[Category:Mil aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]