Moscow in Talks with Tehran over Sale of Light Choppers: Russian Official
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russia’s Helicopters Company is in talks with Iran over sale of its new Ansat and Kamov KA-226T ambulance helicopters, the company’s deputy CEO said Tuesday.
“Russian Helicopters conducts negotiations on the supply of the Ansat and Ka-226T light helicopters for the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education,” Alexander Shcherbinin said as cited by the Tass news agency.
He added, “In addition to the delivery of the helicopters, the issue of organizing their assembly in Iran is being considered. According to our estimates, Iran needs about 60 Russian light helicopters.”
Ansat is a lightweight twin-engine multipurpose 7-9 seats helicopter put into series production in 2013. Ansat model with the medical module underwent certification in 2015. Equipment on board of the helicopter makes possible to evacuate one injured person in a grave or extremely grave condition and perform intensive care in flight.
The Kamov Ka-226 is also a small, twin-engine Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangeable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accommodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002.
Tehran and Moscow have sought to enhance their trade ties in the past few years.
Back in November 2015, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Tehran and Moscow are resolved to increase the volume of their trade to $3-4 billion in 3 years.
In the same month, Russia President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to Iran and signed seven agreements and MoUs with his Iranian counterpart to boost mutual cooperation.
