MOSCOW, Oct 1 - RIA Novosti. Russia has sent four combat helicopters to Mali under the contract: two Mi-171SH and two M-17V5, a source in the military-industrial complex told RIA Novosti on Friday, commenting on the official statement of the Defense Ministry of this African country on the supply of Russian helicopters.
"As part of the contract concluded earlier, Russia sent two Mi-171SH and two Mi-17V5 helicopters to Mali," the agency interlocutor said.
According to him, a set of weapons and ammunition has been delivered together with the helicopters of Mali.
Earlier, Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara said that his country had bought four new Mi-171 helicopters, weapons and ammunition from the Russian Federation.
The Mi-171SH (assault) is an export version of the Mi-8AMTSh Terminator helicopter. This is a transport and assault helicopter, equipped with a set of weapons equivalent to the Mi-24 combat support helicopter and adapts to the use of night vision technology.
The Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopter is designed to transport personnel, wounded, as well as various goods and equipment. From it it is possible to carry out the landing of airborne troops and reconnaissance and sabotage groups. The helicopter's weapons system includes unguided rocket and cannon weapons.
