Russia and the US will sign a contract to supply Afghanistan with 21 Mi-17 helicopters following an agreement between both countries.

Afghanistan Air Force chief of staff Abdul Wahab Wardak said the two countries have agreed the deal and that the contract would be signed soon, according to Kommersant daily.

“We expect the aircraft will begin being delivered already at the end of the year – we very much need it,” he added.

Russia will pay $367.5m if the deal is signed, which includes cost of repair, spare parts and pilot training.