"Trio Of Afghan Mi-17 Helicopters Quietly Arrive in US" Topic

Three Russian-made Mi-17 Hip helicopters that previously belonged to the now-defunct Afghan Air Force arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona yesterday and are set to be placed in storage at the boneyard there. These aircraft appear to be from among those that Afghan pilots and other personnel used to escape to neighboring Uzbekistan as the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August. This is also the first concrete evidence that American authorities are taking custody of at least some of the ex-Afghan military aircraft now scattered around the world, the vast majority of which were originally purchased by the U.S. government…

The Drive: link

Well the military can use those for OPFOR training …

Don't think that was an even trade with what was left.

Possibly those can be refurbished and provided to other friendly users-- I can't imagine any other practical use.

The US Army uses captured Russia, etc., items for OPFOR at places like the NTC. Just seeing a Russian weapon system up close, climbing around it, travelling in it, etc. is good training, etc. These Mi-17s should use for training, etc. IMO.

I could be wrong but the deconstruction of these may have already happened by US intel, etc. They are not that new, AFAIK … Been flying around since 1975. Albeit there are probably upgrades. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-17

In 90s US companies purchased a bit of stock of Mil plant to get access to drawings and some technology (like full length blades). Same happened with Siemens getting access to submarine turbines plant.
It was time when you could get anything almost for free.
Later on they were forced to sell their shares, but by that time a good portion of know-how was already learned….

Maybe our Special Forces will use them for covert ops where an American made helicopter would raise suspicion…

Barin1 … $ talks … 💰💴💵💶💷💸💳

Dragon – would not surprise me. Them Spec Ops guys are a sneaky lot !!! 🏴‍☠️