MOSCOW. May 30 (Interfax) - Moscow hails the signing of a U.S.-Russian contract for the supply of 21 Russian Mikoyan Mi-17-V-5 military transport helicopters for the Afghan army, Russian Presidential Aide Sergei Prikhodko said.
"[This is] the first large contract in the history of the U.S.-Russian military-technical cooperation, signed directly with the U.S. Department of Defense," he said.
"Moreover, its signing is a major step towards the two countries' practical cooperation in raising the combat capabilities of the Afghan Armed Forces," the presidential aide said.
The contract was signed at the time when the Russian and U.S. presidents "were discussing in Deauville the practical aspects of further broadening of the cooperation on counterterrorism," he said.
"The first nine machines will be received by Kabul before the end of the year, the rest will be supplied next year. Experts estimate that the contract amount could exceed $300 million," the Kommersant newspaper wrote on Saturday.
This figure is close to the reality, source from the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) told the newspaper.
"The U.S. Ground Forces Command and Rosoboronexport signed the contract for the supply of 21 new Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters on May 26. The contract involves the supply of helicopters, as well as spare parts, ground support equipment and the provision of maintenance services," the newspaper said.
"The export of the first consignment of helicopters for the Afghan Air Force is slated for October 2011. The remainder will be supplied throughout 2012," the newspaper said, citing FSVTS sources.