October 5, 2002

ITAR-TASS announced on 30 September that the delivery of 12 Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters to Pakistan will be completed this year. Four helicopters had already been delivered to the client, as part of a $40 million contract. The Mi-171 helicopter is a civilian model of the Mi-8AMT (NATO classification "HIP") helicopter meant produced by the Ulan-Ude aviation plant for export. 

Since each Mi-171 can carry 36 paratroopers in full equipment or up to 4000 kg of cargo in cargo cabin, this gives Pakistan a significant boost in emergency lift capacity. Furthermore, the Mi-171 can be fitted out as a tank-killer. The Russians' Mi-8AMT is armed with the "Shturm-V" guided missile systems, using "Ataka" guided supersonic missiles with tandem cumulative warhead. They also carry 80 mm S-8 rocket pods and 23 mm gun pod containers. - Adam Geibel