Russia delivers 12 Mi-17V-5 helicopters to the USA

The delivery of 12 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters was completed in October 2013 in accordance with the additional agreements between Rosoboronexport and the US Government signed in 2012 under the prime contract’s option, press-service of Rosoboronexport reports. The prime contract for delivery of 21 helicopters was signed by Rosoboronexport and the US Government on May 26th 2011. The agreement outlined the policy of the countries aimed at solving the common international problem connected with the situation in Afghanistan. The contract had been performed by mid-2012. “The parties signed an additional agreement for delivery of another 12 Mi-17V-5 helicopters in 2012 in the network of the prime contract’s option. Moreover, Rosoboronexport and the US Government signed a new major agreement in 2013 for delivery of 30 more helicopters in 2014. The new agreement demonstrates the mutual understanding between the parties and their commitment to achieving a positive outcome”, - the press-service noted. A total of 63 Mi-17V-5 helicopters will be delivered to the Afghan National Army in the network of the agreements between Russia and USA aimed at combating international terrorism. The Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopter is a modern version of the Mi-8/17 helicopters developed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant’s design bureau in cooperation with the Kazan Helicopter Plant. It was developed taking into account the vast operational experience gained by its predecessors in a variety of armed conflicts (including Afghanistan). Today over 2,400 Mi-8/17 helicopters are operated in more than 80 countries.