US Army Forces Command, contract with Rosoboronexport for 21 Mi-17V5 helicopters

**xinhui** · 30 May 11,, 22:37

Avionews - Agenzia stampa del settore aeronautico, elicotteristico, aerospaziale e della difesa

(WAPA) - A spokesman for Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical cooperation on Friday unveiled that, after two years of talks, the US Army Forces Command and Rosoboronexport, the agency which has a monopoly on the import-export of weapons on the behalf of the Russian Government, signed a contract for the supply 21 Mi-17V5 multi-role helicopters to be employed for counterterrorism missions in Afghanistan.

This is the export version of the Mi-8MTV-5, a military helicopter used for utility transport and produced by Mil. The order should have a global cost of over 300 million dollars, given from the Pentagon, and should provide, in addition to the aircraft, spares, ground support equipment and maintenance support, with deliveries scheduled between October 2011 and December 2012.

The news about the company's participation in the bid, called last July, was unveiled by Rosoboronexport during "China Air Show 2010," the aviation exhibition held in Zhuhai, China, in November 2010 (see AVIONEWS).

The purchase occurs just one year after the cancellation of Rosoboronexport from the list of US contractors since 2006, under the accusation of violating the laws about nuclear non-proliferation. It seems, however, that United States have never really stopped to buying armaments from Russian society.

The defense analyst Alexander Sharavin expressed his opinion about why the Pentagon would have ignored the objections made at the US Congress and chose, however, to buy these Russian helicopters:

"Afghan pilots are on very good terms with Russian arms and Russian aircraft technology. Besides, Russian helicopters have proved indispensable in the harsh mountain and desert conditions of Afghanistan. Their are also unparalleled in the value-for-money aspect".

(Avionews)
(0035)

**Chogy** · 31 May 11,, 13:58

I too have always been impressed by the capabilities and value of the Mi variant helicopters. It makes sense to me to place this sort of order. Mechanics know the birds, spares will not be difficult to obtain, and their performance is excellent.

**Albany Rifles** · 31 May 11,, 15:35

It intrigues me that FORSCOM is mentioned.

The article states the aircraft are for use in A'stan.

FORSCOM has no responsibility for A'stan...that would be CENTCOM.

**xinhui** · 31 May 11,, 15:46

Originally Posted by Chogy

I too have always been impressed by the capabilities and value of the Mi variant helicopters. It makes sense to me to place this sort of order. Mechanics know the birds, spares will not be difficult to obtain, and their performance is excellent.

The US also gave some Mi-171 birds to the Pakistani, they seem to prefer it over the blackhawk. I guess they can get parts cheaper and from more "sources"

**Doktor** · 31 May 11,, 15:54

Originally Posted by xinhui

The US also gave some Mi-171 birds to the Pakistani, they seem to prefer it over the blackhawk. I guess they can get parts cheaper and from more "sources"

I guess the Chinese wont service the hawks that way could also be a reason

**xinhui** · 31 May 11,, 16:15

actually, most of the Chinese hawks are still flying (16 out of 24) with the 2nd LH regiment, two birds with the 3rd LH brigade with local parts, but it is way too $$$. they are making Mi1-171 at Chengdu now as a joint venture with the Russian. hint, hint, my previous comment about the other "source."

**Doktor** · 31 May 11,, 16:53

I know S-70s are still operational, but I guess they are not exactly the same as UH-60, are they?

As for other sources for spare parts, there is also Ukraine too look up for cheap ones

**Blademaster** · 31 May 11,, 17:25

I am surprised that the US government didn't try to give Blackhawks or even hueys to Afghanistan. Any reason for not doing so?

**xinhui** · 31 May 11,, 17:54

well, here is the party line. I think there is some truth to it.

"Afghan pilots are on very good terms with Russian arms and Russian aircraft technology. Besides, Russian helicopters have proved indispensable in the harsh mountain and desert conditions of Afghanistan. Their are also unparalleled in the value-for-money aspect".

**Albany Rifles** · 31 May 11,, 20:51

Originally Posted by Blademaster

I am surprised that the US government didn't try to give Blackhawks or even hueys to Afghanistan. Any reason for not doing so?

Supply chain and experience.

The Afghans are already flying Mi-17 variants and have experience maintaining them.

Also a lot cheaper to get parts from places like Ukraine and new NATO countries, Romania, Poland, etc, which are upgrading to Western aircraft.

**Blademaster** · 31 May 11,, 23:13

Its funny, if there was ever a freebie for subsidy of American products, this is one of them.

**xinhui** · 08 Aug 11,, 07:52

Russia, U.S. prepare new military cooperation deals
Mi-17
Russia, U.S. prepare new military cooperation deals | Defense | RIA Novosti
Mi-17
© RIA Novosti.
13:29 04/08/2011
MOSCOW, August 4 (RIA Novosti)
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Russia and the United States plan to sign more military cooperation deals, the deputy chief of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said on Thursday.

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

"We plan to sign more deals with the United States very soon, and plan to extend [cooperation] beyond helicopter deals," Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said, adding that the two countries are in search of other mutually beneficial areas of military cooperation.

He also denied media reports that Russia had problems with implementing the helicopter contract and said that the first batch of aircraft would be sent to Afghanistan later this year.

The Mi-17 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 35 troops.

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