As far as attack helicopters go, little beats the Mi-35 in the looks department. Flying at the head of the Eklavya formation over Sukhna Lake at Chandigarh during the Full Dress Rehearsal for IAF's 90th Air Force Day, this helicopter from No. 104(H) Sqn. "Firebirds" displays its rocket pods and 9M120 Ataka launchers for ATGMs.

The flying tank fitted with rocket pods and 9M120 Ataka launchers for ATGMs that use advanced radio command guidance signals. This Mi-35E led the attack helicopter formation consisting of four other Apaches on the 89th Air Force Day at Hindon AFS. Formerly flown by No. 125(H) Sqn. "Gladiators", the type is now flown by No. 104(H) Sqn. "Firebirds", which is the first helicopter unit of the IAF that was formed on the Sikorsky S-55.

The Indian Air Force unit in Goma was called the Indian Aviation Contingent (IAC-I) and the major lodger units included one Mi-25 Squadron and one Mi-17 squadron. These squadrons were equipped with 4 Mi-25, 5 Mi-17 and 2 Alouette 2s. The helo's supported UN ops over the DRC provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The Mi-35Es were allowed to use force when needed. Their motto was "Lethal when Provoked". They were named Vipers and their role was armed recce and surveillance, fire support to heliborne forces during critical phases of flight and armed escort to UN air and ground forces.