09:43 | Lima, Mar. 31 (ANDINA).
Peru will buy 24 Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters worth over US$407 million for use in its ongoing war on drug trafficking and terrorism in the country's southern forest.
Peruvian Defense Ministry has floated a public tender to the Ministry of Economy in order to procure 24 Russian helicopters to be deployed on the war against terrorism in the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (Vraem).
The ministry pointed out this procurement is part of the government's efforts to enhance its capabilities to tackle terrorism and drug trafficking and other threats emanating from the Vraem.
Russian officials made the offer during a meeting between the two countries' military delegations in Moscow early this month.
The helicopter delivery plan said that 21 units are to be supplied already next year, while the remaining in 2015. Peruvians also want to buy additional onboard weapons, voiceofrussia.com reported.
Russia, for its turn, offered to train Peruvian pilots. Thus, if all these additional deals are clinched the total volume of the agreement will rise to US$485.5 million.
(END) INT/LOG
Published: 3/31/2013