Russia delivering copters to Afghanistan

MOSCOW, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Russia will deliver to Afghanistan in the first half of this year 12 military transport helicopters purchased by the United States, officials said.

Nine Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters for the Afghan army had been delivered by Dec. 30, 2011, as part of a $367.5 million contract the United States signed in May to buy 21 of the helicopters, RIA Novosti reported.

The helicopters are being assembled and tested for flight-worthiness.

Russia will deliver the remaining 12 copters and related equipment in the first six months of this year, the Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Service said Wednesday.

The helicopters, which feature powerful turbo-shaft engines and can transport up to 35 people, were made by Russia's state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport.