The batch of Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters will raise to 63 the quantity of that model supplied under US-Russian deals for the Afghan National Army.
The Mi-17V-5 is part of the Mi-8/17 family, members of which are used by more than 80 countries.
In March, Rosoboronexport announced that Russia will deliver 12 Mil Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters to Afghanistan National Army by the end of 2013.
The delivery of the helicopters to Afghan Armed Forces is part of the $367.5 million deal signed between Pentagon and Rosoboronexport in 2011, which included delivery of 21 Mi-17V5s.
US officials have also announced that the deal with the Rosoboronexport could worth up to $900 million which will also include spares and servicing.
Grigory Kozlov, Director of Rosobornexport’s helicopter exports department then said, “The option agreement has been signed and the delivery will be completed by the end of this year.”
Kozlov said Pentagon has already started paying for the option deal as well as delivering US equipment to be installed on Russian helicopters specifically for Afghan missions.
Russian-made helicopters have a long history in Afghanistan and is preferred better than the helicopters due to their low prices, durability and simplicity.
Source: RIA Novosti
