Article Posted on : - Aug 04, 2011

A file photo of Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopte.

MOSCOW (BNS): More military cooperation deals are expected to be signed between Russia and the United States, according to a news report.

Deputy Chief of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Thursday said, "We plan to sign more deals with the United States very soon, and plan to extend (cooperation) beyond helicopter deals."

Ria Novosti quoting Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said, the two countries are in search of other mutually beneficial areas of military cooperation.

In May this year, the United States signed a $367.5 million contract with Russia to buy 21 Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters for the Afghan army.

The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. It features powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 35 troops.

The helicopter is currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude.

The Mi-17V5 version is equipped with a loading ramp instead of the clam-shell doors, an additional door and a new "dolphin nose", the report said.