Russia has delivered at least two Mi-35P Phoenix attack helicopters to the Guinean Air Force, as evidenced by photographs and a promotional video that surfaced online in early June 2026. This marks the first confirmed transfer of this specific variant to Guinea, with no prior open-source reports of such deliveries. The helicopters are distinguished by insignia of the Guinean Air Force, concluding months of speculation regarding the destination of Russia’s limited stock of Phoenix-standard gunships.
The Mi-35P Phoenix is notably uncommon in export markets. Its production commenced only in 2020, following its debut at the Armiya-2018 trade show near Moscow. Industry estimates suggest that Russia’s Army Aviation operates over fifty Mi-35-family helicopters overall, though detailed public data on how many are configured to the Phoenix standard remains unavailable. The deployment of even two units abroad likely signifies a significant portion of a restricted inventory rather than a routine export.
The aircraft represents a substantial upgrade of the Mi-24 “Hind,” a Soviet-era gunship that has armed numerous air forces since the 1970s. The airframe and silhouette remain largely unchanged; the enhancements are primarily in sensors and armament. The Phoenix is equipped with the OPS-24N-1L sighting system, integrating thermal imaging, television capability, and laser ranging, thereby enhancing night and adverse weather attack capabilities previously lacking in older Hind variants. It features six hardpoints—an increase from four on the baseline Mi-35—permitting a broader variety of munitions, and incorporates retractable landing gear to optimize aerodynamics. Power is supplied by TV3-117VMA turboshaft engines, developed with assistance from ODK-Klimov, which Russian Helicopters promotes for maintaining reliability under strenuous operational conditions.
Armament consists of a twin-barrel 23mm GSh-23L cannon in the NPPU-23 turret, Ataka and Vikhr-1 anti-tank guided missiles, and unguided S-8 and S-13 rockets for area suppression. Igla man-portable air-defense missiles can be fitted for limited air-to-air roles, primarily targeting low-speed aircraft and drones rather than fighter jets. The helicopter’s top speed is approximately 335 km/h, with a cruising speed around 260 km/h, a combat range nearing 450 km, and a maximum take-off weight estimated between 11,500 and 12,000 kg.
In relation to Guinea’s existing capabilities, the addition of these modern, sensor-equipped gunships signifies a notable enhancement. The Guinean Armed Forces comprise roughly 9,700 personnel, with inventory including 15 PT-76 light tanks, up to 230 armored vehicles, and over 50 artillery pieces, including four BM-21 Grad and three BM-27 Uragan rocket systems, according to Defense Express estimates. The Air Force’s inventory reportedly includes two MiG-21s and four Mi-24s; however, open-source sources such as Defense Express and Grokipedia indicate that most of this fleet is stored or unserviceable due to a 2013 crash and sustained underinvestment. In this context, acquiring two modern gunships with advanced sensors substantially boosts operational capability, even if it does not elevate Guinea to the rank of a significant air power.
It is also important to distinguish who is operating these aircraft. Guinea (the Republic of Guinea, capital Conakry) should not be confused with Equatorial Guinea, a separate nation approximately 2,000 km away on the Central African coast where Russia reportedly deployed close to 200 personnel affiliated with the Africa Corps, the official successor to the Wagner Group, to assist in protecting the government. The helicopters bear Guinean Air Force markings, indicating a direct state-to-state transfer rather than equipment allocated for Russian personnel stationed in Guinea.
In 2018, Equatorial Guinea received has received two new Mil Mi-17 ‘Hip’ transport helicopters from Russia, one of which has been delivered in a VIP configuration with the other being in a standard passenger configuration.
The timing of this transfer aligns with broader patterns. Russia’s exports of helicopters and armored vehicles to Africa increasingly involve small batches rather than large-scale deliveries, reflecting the country’s own losses in Ukraine. For instance, in April 2026, Russia transferred only two BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to Madagascar. While Niger ordered twelve Mi-35s in 2019 and Nigeria explored upgrading some of its older Mi-35s to Phoenix standard around 2021, such transactions have become less frequent. The dispatch of a small number of aircraft to partners such as Guinea, which transitioned to civilian-led governance in 2021 and has relied on Russia for maintenance of legacy equipment, allows Moscow to exert influence at a manageable cost.
Russia endeavors to uphold strategic influence, ensure access to logistic hubs, and support regional deployments with minimal strain on its manufacturing capacities. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether these initial airframes are succeeded by additional assets or if they represent the extent of Moscow’s current export capacity.
While this does not mark Guinea as a primary customer for Russian arms, and the full terms of the deal, including potential future deliveries, remain unconfirmed, the selection of this platform offers insight into Kremlin priorities in West Africa. Rather than dispatching large shipments, Moscow appears to prefer distributing scarce, more capable hardware to a select group of partners, betting that a few high-value helicopters will generate greater diplomatic and strategic dividends than larger consignments of older equipment. The prospects for further deliveries to Conakry or the appearance of Phoenix variants elsewhere in Africa are the next developments to watch.