Russia and Argentina have signed Memorandum of Understanding, which assumes delivery of three multi-role Mi-171E and three Ka-226T helicopters to Buenos Aires, Lenta.ru reports with reference to Jane's.

The exact date of signing the firm contract has not been specified. Argentina will acquire the helicopters using funds from Russian export credit.

It was reported by the head of Rosoboronexport delegation at FIDAE-2012, Sergey Goreslavsky, that Russia will provide export credit for Argentina in late March 2012. According to him, Argentina intends to acquire three Mi-171E and the contract will be signed in parallel with the transfer of funds to the Argentinian party.

Argentina purchased two Mi-171E in April 2010 (amount of the contract was €20 million). This agreement was the first acquisition of Russian vehicles by Argentina. The helicopters were delivered in November 2011. The delivered vehicles had orange-white livery and they were equipped with rescue elevators. These helicopters will be used for performing search-and-rescue missions and delivering cargo to Argentinian stations in Antarctic Region.