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Mi-17 Helicopter Sale: Mi-17 Helicopters Bought by US from Russia
Mi-17 Helicopter Sale: Mi-17 Helicopters Bought by US from Russia, Draws Criticism
Mi-17 helicopter units are being sold by Russia to the United States in a move that has drawn criticism. The M-17 helicopters will be deployed to the Afghan army.
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military officials insisted a top-secret Pentagon study proved the need to buy Russian helicopters for Afghanistan’s security forces. But the study actually recommended an American-made rotorcraft, according to unclassified excerpts obtained by The Associated Press.
The excerpts show the U.S. Army’s workhorse Chinook, built by Boeing Co. in Pennsylvania, was “the most cost-effective single platform type fleet for the Afghan Air Force over a 20-year” period.
The finding has triggered allegations the Defense Department misled members of Congress and improperly cut U.S. companies out of competing for a contract that has swelled to more than $1 billion.
More than two years since DOD announced it was acquiring Russian Mi-17 helicopters, a veil of secrecy still obscures the pact despite its high-dollar value, the potential for fraud and waste, and accusations the Pentagon muffled important information.
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USA buying Russian helicopters. Whatjathink?
I think it sucks. The cost isn't JUST the dollar costs, but where those dollars go. If American made, those dollars go here. If not, they go elsewhere. Paying unemployment and welfare to American workers while have Russia build systems we pay for? That's NUTS by every measure.
Mi-17 Helicopter Sale: Mi-17 Helicopters Bought by US from Russia, Draws Criticism
Mi-17 helicopter units are being sold by Russia to the United States in a move that has drawn criticism. The M-17 helicopters will be deployed to the Afghan army.
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military officials insisted a top-secret Pentagon study proved the need to buy Russian helicopters for Afghanistan’s security forces. But the study actually recommended an American-made rotorcraft, according to unclassified excerpts obtained by The Associated Press.
The excerpts show the U.S. Army’s workhorse Chinook, built by Boeing Co. in Pennsylvania, was “the most cost-effective single platform type fleet for the Afghan Air Force over a 20-year” period.
The finding has triggered allegations the Defense Department misled members of Congress and improperly cut U.S. companies out of competing for a contract that has swelled to more than $1 billion.
More than two years since DOD announced it was acquiring Russian Mi-17 helicopters, a veil of secrecy still obscures the pact despite its high-dollar value, the potential for fraud and waste, and accusations the Pentagon muffled important information.
- - - - -
USA buying Russian helicopters. Whatjathink?
I think it sucks. The cost isn't JUST the dollar costs, but where those dollars go. If American made, those dollars go here. If not, they go elsewhere. Paying unemployment and welfare to American workers while have Russia build systems we pay for? That's NUTS by every measure.