Ministry of Defense of Argentina is considering the possibility of purchasing more Russian-produced multi-role Mi-171E helicopters, Lenta.ru reports with reference to Infodefensa and the Minister of Defense of Argentina Agustin Rossi.
The number of helicopters to be purchased and the date of signing the contract are unknown. At present Buenos-Aires operates two Mi-171E vehicles purchased in 2010 (the value of this contract was €22 million).
In May 2012 Russia and Argentina signed a memorandum of understanding, which included deliveries of three more Mi-171E and three Ka-226T helicopters to Buenos-Aires. Argentina hoped to get an export credit from Russia in order to purchase the vehicles. Buenos-Aires postponed the purchase of these helicopters due to defense budget constraints.
The first two Mi-171Es delivered to Argentina in 2011 were painted in white and orange and fitted with rescue hoisting devices. Argentina chose Russian helicopters, because they may be operated under severe climatic conditions (range of temperatures from -50 to +58 Celsius). Mi-171E helicopters are taking part in search-and-rescue operations and deliver goods to Argentina’s stations in Antarctic Region.
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