Afghanistan has recently been delivered the first 9 Mi-17B5 helicopters which will enter into service of the Afghan army under a deal between Russia and the U.S.
Under the contract, Russia will supply Afghan Air Force with spare parts and ground service equipment and provide material and technical services. In view of this, a group of Russia experts has already arrived in Afghanistan.
The helicopters were assembled at the helicopter factory in Kazan which continues to produce helicopters for the Afghan army. The remaining 12 helicopters will be delivered to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2012. At the request of the Americans, the work has been sped up.
The contract for supplying helicopters was signed between Russia’s “Rosoboronexport” and U.S. ground command in May. Under the contract, Russia will be paid $375 million.
