US Buying Russian Choppers For Afghanistan

 US Buying Russian Choppers For Afghanistan

Moscow May 28, 2011, US have entered into a deal to buy 21 helicopters worth over $300 million from Russia for use by its forces in Afghanistan.

This was disclosed in Moscow when Sergei Prikhodko, a foreign policy aide to President Dmitry Medvedev  said on Saturday that Russian arms export corporation Rosoboronexport  has struck  a deal with the US forces  command to supply 21 Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters to Afghanistan, said a news report.

Sergei Prikhodko said “It is the first large contract Russia signed directly with the U.S. Ministry of Defense,” -------“The contract marks a major step in closer practical cooperation between Russia and the U.S. to improve the combat capability of the Afghan army.”

Russia will be responsible for all ground support equipment and maintenance services and will supply spare and replacement parts under the contract.