Image source: topwar.ru
After 2014, the United States began systematically squeezing the Russian defense industry out of the global market. At the same time, Washington tried to inflict the main blow on the export of combat aircraft, in particular, Mi-8/17 helicopters, which are in service with many countries.
Thus, the Colombian Air Force has 20 vehicles of this family, of which only 5 units could take to the air due to the curtailment of maintenance due to the threat of US secondary sanctions due to military-technical cooperation with Moscow. However, VO recently reported that Bogota has begun restoring its Mi-17 fleet, explaining that "the war in Ukraine is not a reason to refuse to cooperate with Russia."
As indicated in the Defensa publication, the first refurbished Mi-17MD has already successfully completed a test flight and should return to service. It is planned to return 3 cars to service by the end of the year.
Image source: topwar.ru
Mi-17 repair in Colombia
At the same time, the mechanism of helicopter overhaul is being clarified. As noted in the publication, it unfolded in January of this year after signing a contract with the American company Vertol Systems.
Thus, it acts as an intermediary between the Russian defense industry and its foreign customers. These kinds of "services" require payment. At the same time, it is unclear at whose expense it is carried out – Colombia due to additional margins or the Russian manufacturer, which may be forced to give up part of the margin. Although it is possible that both sides are paying.
