Serbia takes delivery of two Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters

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World Defense & Security News - Serbia
 
 
Serbia takes delivery of two Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters
 
Russian Helicopters holding has delivered two Mi-17V-5 medium military-transport helicopters to Serbia, according to the company`s press department. "Both Mi-17V-5 rotor-wing aircraft for Serbia were produced by Kazan Helicopter Plant (Russian acronym: KVZ, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters). Russia and Serbia signed the contract to supply two Mi-17V-5 helicopters to Belgrade in September 2015,"Russian Helicopters` official spokeperson said.
     
Serbia takes delivery of two Mi 17V 5 military transport helicopters 640 001The two Mi-17V-5 helicopters are parked in the hangar of JAT Tehnika at the Belgrade Airport
(Credit: Serbian Government)
     
"The agreement has been implemented within time limits specified by the sides. It included the delivery of two helicopters and the training of Serbian pilots and technical staff. Four pilots, two panel operators and seven technicians were taught how to operate and maintain Mi-17V-5 helicopters at the KVZ`s Aircraft Training Center", the spokeperson said.

Serbia`s Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vu·i· pointed out that prior to the recent delivery Serbian Armed Forces had not received new rotor-wing aircraft for 36 years. Vucic said that besides the two helicopters bought at a price of 25 million euros (27.7 million U.S. dollars)in total, Serbia is currently negotiating with Russia to purchase several MiG-29 aircrafts.

The commander of Serbia`s Air Forces, General Mayor Ranko Zhivak added that Serbian Armed Forces are being rearmed with new military equipment. "When the required technical checks and acceptance measures have been finished, both helicopters will be issued to the national army", Zhivak pointed out.

According to the Military Balance 2016 report issued by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the rotor-wing aircraft fleet of Serbian Armed Forces comprises 2 Mi-24 (Hind), 1 Mi-17 (Hip-H), 49 SA341H/SA341L Gazelle, and 8 Mi-8T (Hip) helicopters.
     
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