The Obama administration's recent lifting of sanctions against Russia's state arms exporter could boost orders for Russian aircraft from a somewhat-unexpected customer: the U.S. military.
As part of its effort to equip the militaries of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, the Pentagon has in recent years been snapping up helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from the arsenals of its former Cold War rivals, including Russia. The goal is to help the three countries build air forces that are rugged, affordable and easy to operate.
Washington sanctioned Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms dealer, in 2006 for its dealings with Iran, and lifted those restrictions in May as part of an effort to win Moscow's support for new Iran sanctions.
But even as the move could open the door to more purchases of Russian-made helicopters, U.S. lawmakers are complaining about a lack of oversight of the procurement process and asking the military to consider buying more American-made aircraft.
A Department of Defense spokeswoman said the Pentagon had received "several inquiries" from lawmakers about the purchase of Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, adding that the department issued a report to Congress in March addressing the issue.
"Analysis conducted by [U.S. Central Command] in 2005 identified the Mi-17 as the most cost-effective means—at the time—for addressing the operational requirements of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan," the spokeswoman said.
The Mi-17 helicopter is a workhorse transport aircraft seen as versatile and easy to maintain. The U.S. has spent more than $800 million over the past several years to buy Mi-17s; a single Mi-17 costs around $12 million, according to the State Department, although figures vary depending on the contract, and congressional critics say the price tag can be higher...
