Article Posted on : - May 10, 2011

Mi-171Sh Combat-transport helicopter

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia will supply three military transport helicopters Mi-171 Sh to the Peruvian Air Force, Peru’s Defence Minister Jaime Thorne has said.

According to Thorne, the Peruvian military will use the helicopters to strengthen internal security, combating drug trafficking and extremist groups.

“These machines are suitable for operations in the river valleys of Apurimac and Ene, which are the main refuge for drug traffickers, as well as members of an extremist group," Russian news agency Itar-Tass quoting the Minister said.

The Peruvian Defense Ministry and Russian state special exporter, Rosoboronexport, had signed a contract to supply six Mi-171SH helicopters and two Mi-35P in July 2010.

Last month Russia delivered the two Mi-35P Hind E attack helicopters and by end of this year supply of all the vehicles would be completed, Thorne said.

The Ulan Ude helicopter plant manufactures Mi-171Sh which is a military-transport version of Mi-171 helicopter.