Indonesia's army has taken delivery of six more Mil Mi-17 V5 transport helicopters, bringing the army's total of the type to 18.
Indonesia obtained the six Mi-17 helicopters for $56 million, with the purchase financed by a state loan from Russia, said the Indonesian army.
"These helicopters will increase the fighting capabilities of the army," said defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. "New helicopters are sorely needed."
The new helicopters were handed over in a 26 August ceremony attended by Indonesian defence officials and representatives of Russian state arms export firm Rosoboronexport.
They will be used for general transport duties, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
The Indonesian army now has 18 Mi-17 V5s and six Mi-35 attack helicopters. The army is also a major user of the Bell 412.
Source: Flight International