Defense

Pentagon asked to stop Russian helicopter deal

A dozen Republican and Democratic senators are calling on the Pentagon to cancel all contracts to buy helicopters for Afghan security forces from a state-run Ru...

Federal News Radio Custom Media@WTOPWFEDcustom

August 6, 2013 10:38 am

< a min read

A dozen Republican and Democratic senators are calling on the Pentagon to cancel all contracts to buy helicopters for Afghan security forces from a state-run Russian arms exporter that is a top weapons supplier to the Syrian government. Led by Republican Sen. John Cornyn (KOHR’-nihn) of Texas, they sent a letter on Monday to Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about the Mi-17 Helicopters.