India set to buy 59 more Russian helicopters in $1 bln deal

New Delhi: India is close to finalizing a second contract with Russia for another 59 Mi-17V-5 tactical transport helicopters after the phased delivery of the first 80 of these choppers began this fall, The Times of India reported on Sunday.
"The 59 more Mi-17s, which will cost around $1 billion, will be ordered under the follow-on clause in the first contract. They will also be weaponized for combat operations like the first 80," the paper said, referring to a well-informed source.
In November, India took the delivery of the first batch of 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters ordered under a $1.345 billion deal in 2008.
A senior official at the Indian Defense Ministry confirmed to RIA Novosti that India was negotiating the purchase of an additional 59 helicopters from Russia.
"The negotiations are, indeed, going on. Possibly, a contract on the delivery of this additional batch of Mi-17 helicopters will be signed already this financial year, i.e. before March 31, 2012," he said.
The helicopters are being built by Russian Helicopters' Kazan Helicopter Factory (KVZ) subsidiary.
13/11/11 RiaNovosti

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Categories: Foreign Nov 2011, New Nov 2011