Russian Helicopters has secured a contract from the Belarusian Defence Ministry to supply 12 Mi-8MTV-5 military transport helicopters.
Under this contract, the firm will deliver the Russian-made helicopters between 2016 and 2017.
Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said: "The Republic of Belarus is an important partner for Russia in military technical cooperation.
"Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters help enhance the Union State’s defences and expands its military capability. The signing of this contract is another step toward strengthening the friendship and business relations between our two countries."
The Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters are produced at Kazan Helicopters. They are capable of conducting both military and transport missions.
The helicopter features the latest avionics, radio communications and specialised hardware.
In 2009, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus signed an agreement for the military technical cooperation.
The new contract will be performed in accordance with the agreement and the new helicopters will feature the same configuration similar to the ones operated by Russian Armed Forces.
In May this year, Russian Helicopters started the series production on the heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter, a modernised version of the Mi-26T, at its Rostvertol facility.
The Mi-26T2 aircraft features the latest avionics that enables it to operate during night-time and allows the operator to reduce the number of crew.
Rostvertol has been producing the military Mi-26 helicopter and its commercial variant Mi-26T since 1980.
Meanwhile, Russian news agency Tass reported that Russia is currently holding consultations with Pakistan over the possible sale of Mi-35 helicopters.
Image: The Mi-8/17s have proved their ability to successfully perform their operational tasks in different climates. Photo: courtesy of Russian ?elicopters, JSC.
