Russia, Cameroon Sign Mi-17 Helicopter Deal

Russia is to deliver Mi-17 military transport helicopters to Cameroon, a spokesperson for Russian Technologies was quoted by RIA Novosti.

The deal which did not specify the number to be delivered was signed between Rosoboronexport and Cameroon’s Defense ministry at the MAKS-2013 International Air Space Show.

“This is the first contract as part of military technology collaboration between Russia and Cameroon,” Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaikin said in a statement.

In his statement, Rosoboronexport’s CEO explicitly identified expanding exports to countries in Africa as a priority, and said it is seeking to renew ties with Botswana, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea.

In February a Russian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and including the deputy director of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation under Russia’s Defense Ministry travelled to Cameroon and held a series of meetings about bilateral cooperation.