Chile to push for chopper deal with Russia despite U.S. pressure

[Judi Lynn]

Chile to push for chopper deal with Russia despite U.S. pressure
10:1310/07/2009

MEXICO, July 10 (RIA Novosti) - Chile plans to continue talks with Russia on the delivery of five Mi-17 multirole helicopters for the Chilean Air Force despite pressure from the United States, a government spokesperson has said.

Chile originally planned to purchase S-70A Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S. but change their mind after Russia state arms exporter Rosoboronexport quoted an estimated $80 million for their Mi-17 V5 craft, which are nearly half the price of the Black Hawks.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke sent a letter to Chilean ambassador Jose Goni on July 1, in which he expressed his "disappointment" with the country's decision.

"It is quite normal. When a decision is made over a purchase of equipment or weaponry there is always a losing side, which becomes disappointed and attempts to defend its point of view," Chilean government official Carolina Toha said.

http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090710/155488759.html

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U.S. ‘DISAPPOINTED’ OVER CHILE’S PURCHASE OF RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS
Thursday, 09 July 2009
As Chile Negotiates Purchase of US$275 Million Of Arms Equipment From U.S.

U.S. trade officials expressed “disappointment” on Tuesday with Chile’s recent decision to buy five transport helicopters from Russia.

Chile originally planned to purchase Black Hawk crafts from U.S. manufacturer Sikorsky, but decided on a US$80 million deal with Russian-owned military export company Rosoboronexport, as their Mi-17 V5 craft were said to be almost half the price of the Black Hawks.

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/santiagotimes/index.php/2009070816643/news/latest/u.s.-disappointed-over-chile-s-purchase-of-russian-helicopters.html