Russia to export helicopters to four African countries in 2016-2017

In 2016-2017, Russia will export the Mil Mi-8/17 and Mi-24/35 helicopters to Angola, Mali, Nigeria and Sudan, said Yury Demchenko, the head of the delegation for Russia’s arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, to the Africa Aerospace & Defense Expo, which opened in the South African Republic on Wednesday.

Demchenko pointed out that helicopters remained one of the most sought-after types of military hardware in Africa. In 2014-2016, Russian-made helicopters were exported to Angola, Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda.

"In 2016-2017, we plan to continue exporting these helicopters to Angola, Mali, Sudan, Nigeria. Our position in the African helicopter market is solid, so we are optimistic about the prospects of cultivating it further," the delegation chief added.

Besides, many African countries prefer to purchase inexpensive equipment, and in particular used equipment, the Russian delegation’s head noted. "For example, we export those Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters to this region that have gone through major renovation," he elaborated