JOHANNESBURG (Sputnik) — Russia will deliver 12 multipurpose Mi-35 helicopters to Nigeria by 2018 as the African country is carrying out the modernization program of its armed forces, the deputy head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said Friday.
"As for the contract for the delivery of Mi-35M helicopters, signed in October 2015, it is in the process of implementation by 2018. It has been planned to supply two vehicles until the end of 2016," Anatoly Punchuk told RIA Novosti at the Africa Aerospace and Defense-2016 (AAD 2016) exhibition, adding that the contract provides for the supply of 12 helicopters.
He added that Nigeria was one of the most promising Russian partners in the field of military-technical cooperation.
The Mi-35M is a modern multipurpose attack helicopter, equipped with the latest navigation and avionics technology and capable of operating in high temperatures and in mountainous terrain. It can be also used for medical and transportation purposes.
The AAD-2016 expo is taking place in the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, on September 14-18.
