Article Posted on : - May 31, 2011

Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopter

MOSCOW (BNS): The United States and Russia have signed a contract to supply 21 Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters to Afghanistan, according to a news report.

The US Army Forces Command and Russian state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport will deliver the first helicopter in October this year, a Ria Novosti report said.

The spokesman for the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation said, apart from the helicopters, the contract stipulates the procurement of reserve units, ground support equipment, and maintenance support.

The cost of one helicopter had been agreed at $17.5 million, the report said quoting General Abdul Wahab Wardak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force in Afghanistan.

The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter with powerful turboshaft engines. It can transport up to 37 passengers.