Russia, U.S. to discuss Afghan helicopter deal in Washington

Deux Mi-17 afghans au décollage

photo by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr - US DoD

MOSCOW, January 21 (RIA Novosti)

Talks on the delivery of Russian helicopters to Afghanistan will take place later this month in Washington, a Foreign Ministry official said on Friday. A group of experts, including Foreign Ministry and Rosoboronexport state arms export agency representatives, will meet with U.S. officials, Zamir Kabulov of the ministry's Asia department said.

Russia has said it is ready either to supply 21 Mi-17 multipurpose helicopters under a NATO contract or to be part of a U.S.-run tender to supply helicopters to the Afghan military. The contract is estimated at $400 million, including spare parts.