Russia to Deliver Two Mi-17V-5 Helicopters to Thailand

Russia has signed a contract in September this year to deliver two Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters to Thailand.

"A contract was signed in September 2017 on the delivery of two Mi-17V-5 helicopters in the interests of the Royal Thai Army. Further on, the talk can be about a batch of rotorcraft," Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Mikhail Petukhov was quoted as saying by TASS on Tuesday.

Russia and Thailand also signed an inter-governmental agreement in September on military and technical cooperation, he added.

Mi-8MTV-5/Mi-17V-5 helicopters are designed to transport passengers and cargoes and can be used to conduct rescue operations and carry armament.

Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport has offered Kamov Ka-52 and Mi-35M rotorcraft for a tender announced by Thailand for the purchase of attack helicopters, Petukhov said.

"The Thai side announced a tender in September for the delivery of attack helicopters. Rosoboronexport is participating in this tender with Ka-52 and Mi-35M helicopters," the defense official said.

Russia intends to participate in all of Thailand’s tenders for the purchase of military products, including naval hardware, he noted.

The Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ reconnaissance and combat helicopter is designed to destroy tanks, armored and non-armored combat vehicles, manpower, helicopters and other hostile aircraft on the frontline and in tactical depth, in any weather conditions and at any time of day or night.

The Mi-35M transport and attack helicopter is designed to destroy the armor and provide fire support for land troops, and also to transport personnel, evacuate the wounded, carry cargoes and perform other missions. The helicopter is fitted with cutting-edge precision weapons and is capable of accomplishing combat missions round the clock and in any weather conditions.

The defense official is heading the Russian delegation at the Defense & Security 2017 arms show in Bangkok.