Article Posted on : - Jun 22, 2017

MOSCOW/ DHAKA (BNS): Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has signed a contract with the Bangladesh Air Force for the supply of five Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters.

The contract was signed in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, Chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar, the Rostec Corporation of which Rosoboronexport is a member, announced on June 19 without disclosing the contract amount.

"Bangladesh is focused on upgrading the national aircraft pool. We are happy that the state picked Russian high-quality equipment. We signed a contract to supply five Mi-171Sh helicopters to our partners. This is to be implemented in 2018," said Director General Alexander Mikheev of Rosoboronexport.

Rosoboronexport has delivered Mi-17s, Yak-130 combat-trainers, and armoured equipment to Bangladesh between 2013 and 2016, the statement said.

The Bangladesh Air Force is presently operating over 10 Mi-171Sh helicopters.

The Mi-171Sh variant, based on the Mi-171 rotorcraft, is designed for transportation and landing of up to 37 fully equipped and armed troops, fire support to the troops, transportation of cargo up to 4,000 kg inside the cargo cabin or at the external sling as well as transportation of wounded (up to 12 persons accompanied by medical personnel).

It can operate in day & night and all-weather conditions.

The helicopter can also be used for effective destruction of armoured vehicles, weapon emplacements and enemy troops, according to Russian Helicopters.