MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - Argentina has signed several memorandums with Russia during a trip to Moscow last week. According to Argentinean Defense Minister Agustin Rossi, an accord has been signed paving the way for the acquisition of three Mil Mi-17E helicopters.
During Rossi's visit to the Kremlin, the two sides analyzed Argentina's financing options for the purchase of the three helicopters.
The Argentinean Air Force acquired two Mi-171Es in November 2011 and an option remains on the contract for an additional three. The Air Force hopes to eventually field a fleet of seven and recently expressed an interested in exercising the option. The MoD supports the acquisition but the procurement depends on Argentina's ability to acquire financing.
The other agreements reached during the visit include the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Argentina, the transfer of Russian nuclear power technology to Argentina, the joint exploration and development of gas fields, the construction of a manufacturing plant for oil extraction equipment, and cooperation in the military-technical sphere.