LIMA, October 16 (RIA Novosti) – Russia has proposed establishing a servicing and maintenance center in Peru for its Russian- and Soviet-made helicopters, a senior government official said Wednesday.
The offer was discussed at a meeting between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Peruvian counterpart Pedro Cateriano, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said.
“Today...that country [Peru] wants to get not only finished goods from us, but also localize the manufacture of arms and military equipment at home,” Antonov said.
Russia completed a $20 million upgrade last year for Peru's Russian-built Mi-25 attack helicopters. The Peruvian Air Force operates a total of 16 Mi-25 and Mi-35P helicopters.
Peru’s government will buy 24 Russian Mil Mi-171 (Hip) helicopters worth overall $406.8 million, local media reported in March. The first 21 helicopters are to be delivered to Peru in 2014, and the other three in 2015.
Russia and Peru signed a defense and technology cooperation agreement in 2006.
Russia's Rostec corporation, the parent company of Russian Helicopters, announced plans last year to open a maintenance center in Venezuela for its fleet of Russian-made helicopters.
