Russia began to deliver Mi-17V-5, the military transport helicopters, to Afghanistan. A total 30 helicopters of this type must be transferred to Afghanistan under this contract between Rosoboronexport and the US Government.

To date, three vehicles have been already supplied to the Afghan side. According to ITAR-TASS, the remaining helicopters will be delivered during the year in several batches.

Russian helicopters are used in Afghanistan to counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and to carry out special operations. Currently, 36 Mi-17V-5 Russian helicopters in all have been delivered to Afghanistan via the US Army.

The main contract for the supply of 21 vehicles was signed by Rosoboronexport and the US Government on May 26, 2011, and executed by the middle of 2012. In the same year, an additional agreement was concluded under the option of the main contract. Based on this agreement, Russia had completed the delivery of 12 Mi-17V-5 in 2013.

Last year, Rosoboronexport and the US Government negotiated and signed a new major agreement for delivering an additional batch of 30 helicopters in 2014. According to the agreements between the two countries, 63 Mi-17V-5 helicopters will be entered Afghan army service. It is referred to a number of contracts concluded at different times. Reportedly, the deal will exceed one billion dollars.