In 2010, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps decided to replace the outdated AH-1Fs of its attack helicopter fleet. The Z-10, AH-1Z, AH-64D, and T129 ATAK were proposed as candidates, but a series of political events resulted in the final decision being constantly altered and postponed. As a stop-gap solution, an order for four Mi-35Ms with weapons and spare parts was placed in 2015. The Mi-35M could not only provide both fire support and troop transport, but also marked Pakistan's first weapons deal with Russia, lessening its dependence on a single supplier. All four helicopters were delivered in 2017 and put into service in 2018.

Introduced in Update "Firebirds", the Mi-35M is the most up-to-date version of the Mi-24, with a wide variety of guided and unguided weaponry. Aerial targets can be shot down by either the built-in autocannon or Igla missiles. However, the relatively short range of the weapons means the Mi-35M cannot remain at a safe distance from surface-to-air missiles. Despite all its upgrades, the Mi-35M is a heavy helicopter, unable to perform tight maneuvers, especially at high speeds. The RWR does warn about radar lock-on to the Mi-35M, but laser illumination or F&F missiles cannot be tracked. The only difference from the Russian version is the desert camouflage.