Argentina wants to buy decommissioned US CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters because it cannot use Russian Mi-171E helicopters

The Argentine Air Force wants to purchase American CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters that were decommissioned by the US Marine Corps. The delegation intends to visit the 309th Aerospace Service Group in Arizona.

Here's What We Know

The Argentine government has already sent a request to the US. Xavier Issac, commander of the Argentine Air Force, has hinted that his country's authorities have signed a contract with US company Columbia Helicopters, which will be able to repair, modernise and modify the CH-46.

The military's first priority is to replace two Russian Mi-171E helicopters (pictured below). They were ordered in 2010 for $26.5 million and have been used in Antarctica since 2011. The Argentine Air Force stopped the flights due to the impossibility of maintenance, as sanctions against Russia block the transfer of payments and the dispatch of helicopters.

Argentina tried to find a way out of the situation. In particular, the possibility of maintenance in Peru, Colombia and Mexico was considered. However, firms in these countries are not certified to work with Mi-171E engines.

Now the Argentine Air Force wants to buy four American CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and has plans to double the order. The amount of the potential deal has not yet been specified.

Source: Defence News