MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Peru's Air Force Mi-8/17 helicopters secure spares from Russia as of next year

Peru's military helicopters will get their spare parts straight from their Russian manufacturer

The Russian Helicopters holding came out the winning bidder on supply of spare parts for Mi-8/17 helicopters of Peru’s Air Force and will start deliveries next year, Executive Director of the company Grigoriy Kozlov said on Friday. The company also plans to build a pilot training center in Peru next year, it was announced.

 “The holding won the next tender on supply of spares for Mi-8/17 helicopters of Peruvian Air Force. Peru will start receiving spare parts directly from the helicopters manufacturer already in the beginning of 2017 after making relevant contracts,” Kozlov said. Receiving the supplies from the manufacturer itself will promote combating counterfeit components, which pose a threat to helicopter flight safety and the life of crewmembers, he added.

The Russian helicopters manufacturer also plans to build a pilot training center in Peru next year. Kozlov explained that “the intention to build and outfit a helicopter simulation center for the Peruvian Army is proof of the Peruvian market's importance to Russian Helicopters.” The facilities are scheduled to be fully operational as soon as 2017, Kozlov explained, which “will reduce the cost of trainig for Peruvian pilots who will now have these resources available in their own country,” Kozlov added.