Peru Mulls Deals to Buy Russian Helicopters

Peru is interested in buying 700 Kamaz trucks and a new batch of Mi-8/17 helicopters from Russia, as well as testing the T-90S tank that is currently on display at a defense technology exhibition in Lima, the head of Russia’s delegation to the show said on Saturday.

“Russia is discussing the possibility with Peru of signing a contract for the delivery of Kamaz vehicles of various modifications,” said Sergei Goreslavsky, head of the delegation to SITDEF Peru 2013 of the Russian Technologies (Rostec) hi-tech state corporation that comprises state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, adding that the deal concerned about 700 vehicles. Kamaz trucks cost between $80,000 and $90,000 each.

Goreslavsky also said that Peru, which currently has about 100 Mi-8 helicopters in its arsenal, is planning to buy more of the aircraft “not only for the Defense Ministry, but also for dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.”

If the Kamaz and Mi-8 deals go ahead, Russia is prepared to set up centers for servicing the vehicles and aircraft, he added.

The Peruvian army may also buy about 100 tanks from Russia, Goreslavsky said. Earlier this week, Uralvagonzavod, the manufacturer of the T-90S tank, said it was prepared to leave behind the tank that is currently on show at the defense expo in Lima – which runs through Sunday – in order for Peru to test it. Under the tank deal, Peruvian tank operators would undergo training in Russian military academies.

Rosoboronexport sold $14.5 billion worth of weaponry to Latin American countries in the past 12 years, the company’s general director Anatoly Isaikin told the State Duma on Monday.


Source: News - 18 May 2013

Photo: The Peruvian Air Force Mi-8AMTSh Terminator assault/transport helicopter (Photo by © RIA Novosti)


(18.05.2013)