The new contract for delivery of several state-of-the-art
Mi-35 and Mi-171Sh helicopters has been recently signed between the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. This has been confirmed by the Deputy Director General of
Rosoboronexport, Sergei Goreslavsky, in a statement obtained by
airrecognition.com. The contract was signed in August this year. Unfortunately, the
official did not confirm the exact number of helicopters subject to
delivery. According to previous statements by Nigeria’s DHQ, the most
likely quantity is 6 or 7.
He emphasised that the models are in demand on the African continent,
noted that Mozambique is also among the customers. Mr Goreslavsky
revealed that Mi-171Sh flying machines are in demand on global markets.
They can be delivered in various configurations, with air defence,
reconnaissance equipment and missile weaponry.
The helicopter can carry a cargo of 4 tons maximum, or transport up to 36 paratroopers, or carry 12 injured on stretchers.The offered models are on service in the Russian Armed Forces since 2009.
At the same time, several experts have expressed concerns over ability of the Russian side to carry out timely delivery due to crisis in Ukraine and US/EU sanctions imposed on Moscow.
Absolute majority of engines for Russian-made helicopters were
supplied from Ukraine. Due to current crisis in the relations between
the two countries, such cooperation is no more possible.
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