Argentina to get more Mi-171s, eyes Bell 412s

31/08/11 SOURCE:Flight International

With the second of an initial two Mil Mi-171E transport helicopters having recently been accepted by its air force, Argentina's defence ministry has exercised an option to acquire three more.

Air force commander Brig Gen Normando Constantino has disclosed that negotiations to purchase two locally-based Bell 412EPs have entered their final phase. The acquisition would bolster the service's currently seven-strong fleet of Bell 212s, he said.

Meanwhile, Argentina's defence ministry is understood to be examining the purchase of an undisclosed number of additional Mi-171s to meet an army heavy-lift helicopter requirement.