U.S To Acquire 10 Mi-17 Helicopters From Russia

On behalf of the Afghan Forces, the U.S will buy 10 Mi-17 helicopters from Russian arms makers Rosoboronexport. "I can confirm to you that we have indeed been approached by the U.S. Defense Department about the purchase of ten Mi-17s," Rosoboronexport spokesman Vyacheslav Davidenko was quoted as saying. Earlier this year the Pentagon reportedly purchased two Mi-17 choppers, the latest procurement is part of a 2011 U.S. Army contract with Rosoboronexport to buy 21 Mi-17V5 helicopters. The total value of the latest deal is unknown, although the former deal is worth $900 million. The announcement comes during a time when the Pentagon is facing increasing pressure over its dealings with the company. Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Russia was sending attack helicopters to Syria.