The U.S. Defense Department insists on purchasing Russian-made military helicopters for Afghanistan, RIA Novosti reported citing Igor Sevastyanov , the vice CEO of Rosoboronexport. However, Congress strongly opposes the contract with Rosoboronexport, the state-owned Russian arms dealer, urging the Pentagon to replace Mi-17 rotary-wing vehicles with American helicopters.
The stand-off between Congress and the Defense Department concerning the sales contract is unfolding amid the sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Russia. “The Department of Defense has notified Congress of its intent to contract with Rosoboronexport for 30 additional Mi-17 rotary-wing aircraft to support the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) Special Mission Wing,” Pentagon spokesman James Gregory told RIA Novosti. So, U.S. high-ranking military officials are ready to buy Russian-made combat vehicles and weapons.
The protest of U.S. lawmakers flared up in February 2014 when the political crisis in Ukraine broke out and Washington set about inventing sanctions against Russia. Later on, the Defense Department requested Congress not to include Rosoboronexport in the blacklist. The Pentagon highlights the importance of this contract as the Mi-17s are already in use by Afghan air forces. Hence, Afghan pilots do not need additional training.
