Russia to Deliver Six Mi-35
Attack Helicopters to Indonesia

RIA Novosti Photo

JAKARTA (RIA Novosti) — The Indonesian Armed Forces will soon receive a delivery of six Russian Mi-35 Hind attack helicopters, the Antara national news said.

Nikolai Kireyev, head of the state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport’s office in Jakarta, said 15 Indonesian pilots and technical specialists have been undergoing training at the Kazan helicopter manufacturing plant in Russia’s Volga area since March 2008.

He said the delivery of six helicopters was due in July, but that an exact date was yet to be set. "The delivery date will be established after the parties finalize certain contract terms," he said. Russia delivered the first two Mi-35 helicopters to Indonesia in September 2003.

Last fall, Vladimir Putin arranged a $1 billion loan for Indonesia to buy 22 Russian helicopters, 20 tanks and two submarines. In addition, Jakarta said it intended to buy six Su aircraft worth a total of $335 million.