Saudi Arabia nearing deal for Russian helicopters
Saudi Arabia is close to signing an agreement to purchase 30 Mi-171B military transport helicopters from Russia, a source familiar with the talks was quoted as saying on Tuesday in a report by news agency AFP.
"We are in the final stage of negotiations on the purchase of a shipment of 30 helicopters and hope to sign an agreement in September," the source told Russia's RIA-Novosti news agency.
The Mi-171B is a large multifunctional helicopter capable of carrying up to 37 troops, according to the website of its manufacturer, the Ulan Ude Aviation Plant in eastern Siberia.
Saudi Arabia has long bought most of its arms from the United States but in recent years has been engaged in talks on buying military equipment from Russia, which is keen to find new markets for its weapons exports.
Stay up to date
Subscribe to the free Times Aerospace newsletter and receive the latest content every week. We'll never share your email address.
