TEHRAN, January 28 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has started deliveries of Mi-171 Hip transport helicopters to Iran under a $45 million contract, the Fars news agency reported on Wednesday.
They will be operated by Iran's Red Crescent for rescue missions and the evacuation of people injured in natural disasters.
Russia has already delivered two helicopters, and will supply another three to Tehran before the end of March.
The contract was signed with the East Siberian Ulan Ude helicopter plant, which manufactures Mi-171 transport and Mi-171Sh combat/transport helicopters, in October 2007.