Russian air forces will acquire 22 new Mi-26T helicopters in the network of State program in the area of arms for the period until 2015, Izvestiya reports with reference to the representative of Russian air forces.

Taking into account helicopters currently being operated, the total group of the super-heavy transport helicopters will reach 45 ones. And if they add 7 vehicles, which are awaiting repair now, the total number will increase to 52 helicopters.

«Such group will be enough to land an air-assault brigade with light vehicles at the enemy territory», - the representative of Russian air forces reported. However, according to him, this refers to local redeployment of troops, because Mi-26 has the range of about 1000 km.

Mi-26 is used by army for transportation of equipment with large dimensions, including radars, trucks, armored infantry vehicles and infantry combat vehicles weighing up to 20 tons, soldiers and officers. Special modifications may act as jamming stations, flying command center or tanker for remote units.

Meanwhile, the experts do not share the air forces’ optimism pointing out that the implementation of state defense order will fully depend on Ukrainian Motor Sich enterprise, which is manufacturing engines for Mi helicopters. Motor Sich should start production of the new version of D-436 engine for Mi-26 with a new compressor in December.