Russia to deliver six Mi-35 attack helicopters to Indonesia
21 Jun 2008
Jakarta: The Indonesian Armed Forces are scheduled to accept delivery of six Russian made Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters.
Nikolai Kireyev, head of the state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport's office in Jakarta, was quoted by the Antara national news as saying that 15 Indonesian pilots and technical specialists are undergoing training at the Kazan helicopter manufacturing plant in Russia's Volga area since March 2008.
Last year, Vladimir Putin had fixed up a $1 billion loan to facilitate Indonesia's purchase of 22 Russian helicopters, 20 tanks and two submarines. In addition to the above order, Indonesia intends to buy six Su aircraft worth $335 million.
Kireyev said the delivery of six helicopters was due in July, though the exact date was yet to be set, and would be revealed after ''the parties finalize certain contract terms." Russia had earlier delivered two Mi-35 helicopters to Indonesia during September 2003.
