Argentina Purchases 2 Russian Helicopters

2010-09-02 08:53:03 Xinhua Web Editor: Zhang Xu

The Argentine Defense Ministry has signed a contract to purchase two multipurpose Mi-17 Russian helicopters, which will be used for logistic and rescue operations in the Antarctic bases.

The agreement was signed here Tuesday night by Argentine and Russian officials, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The Mi-17 helicopters have capacity to transport 26 passengers and 5 tons of external load.

They have floaters for emergency water-landing, cargo cranes for upload and download in the deck of vessels and supplementary tanks for long-range operations.

These helicopters will be mainly used for operations in the Antarctic, the statement added.

The purchase of these helicopters was done as a "government to government" contract and it includes the training of the crew and mechanics.

The helicopters will arrive in Argentina in September 2011.

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