Posted on 07/07/2010 9:52:30 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The Obama administration's recent lifting of sanctions against Russia's state arms exporter could boost orders for Russian aircraft from a somewhat-unexpected customer: the U.S. military.
As part of its effort to equip the militaries of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, the Pentagon has in recent years been snapping up helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from the arsenals of its former Cold War rivals, including Russia. The goal is to help the three countries build air forces that are rugged, affordable and easy to operate.
Washington sanctioned Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms dealer, in 2006 for its dealings with Iran, and lifted those restrictions in May as part of an effort to win Moscow's support for new Iran sanctions.
But even as the move could open the door to more purchases of Russian-made helicopters, U.S. lawmakers are complaining about a lack of oversight of the procurement process and asking the military to consider buying more American-made aircraft.
A Department of Defense spokeswoman said the Pentagon had received "several inquiries" from lawmakers about the purchase of Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, adding that the department issued a report to Congress in March addressing the issue.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Are we really that stupid? Rhetorical question, of course.
Might as well. The United Technologies (Sikorsky) production line is filled with hard core union scum who make sure you are a Democrat. If not they make sure you get pushed out.
I agree
Ping.
The M-346 trainer that an Italian company is offering to the USAF is based on the Soviet/Russian Yak-130.
Putting the Russians to work to help our economy....Obama is a genius.
Let the Russians economy and military industrial complex go the way of the dinosaurs.
Italian is good for me. They are allies and we have bases there. The Eurocopters are nice.
IIRC, the Mi-17 is basically a toughened up version of the good old Mi-8 Hip. It’s an old design, but a very good one, from what I’ve read.
Makes perfect sense for Afgahistan since Russian helis are far better and more capable in that high-altitude environment that Blackhawks and Chinooks.
Yep, Mi-17 was designed as a version of Mi-8 for Afghanistan operations.
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