Russia to complete delivery of 21 MI-17 to Afghanistan by July

Russia will fulfill a contract to deliver 21 helicopters to Afghanistan in the first half of the year, the Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Service said on Wednesday.

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

By December 30, 2011, nine helicopters were delivered to Afghanistan. They are currently being assembly and tested for flightworthiness.

“The remaining 12 Mi-17V-5 helicopters and related equipment will be delivered during the first half of 2012,” the service said.

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

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


Source: 11 January 2011 - Australian Aviation Magazine (www.australianaviation.com.au)

Photo: A Afghanistan Army aviation MI-17V5 (Photo by USARMY)

Photo Story: Russia delivers 9 MI-17V5 helicopters to Afghanistan

Russia delivers over the first batch of MI-17V5 helicopters to Afghanistan amid the Afghan Air Force officers are being trained by western powers and the United States of America.

According to reports, Russia hands over at least nine modern type of MI-17V5 helicopters to Afghanistan.
Russian officials said, the delivery process of the helicopters have already begun to Afghan government and Russian experts are due to travelled to Afghanistan in this regard.

In the meantime, the Russian company in Kazan continuous the production of at least 12 other similar type helicopters for Afghanistan.

Representatives from the Russian Defense Industries Network said, the remaining helicopters will be delivered to Afghanistan by next year.

The delivery of the MI-17V5 helicopters to Afghanistan was signed between United States of America and Russia on 26 May 2011 and the total value of the contract is around $375 million.

(By GHANIZADA, KHAAMA PRESS, 30 December 2011 - Afghan Online Newspaper (www.khaama.com))


(30.11.2011)