Rotorcraft
Russia Balks at 35-AW139 Order

An order for as many as 35 AgustaWestland AW139 medium helicopters, which might be produced by the Helivert joint factory with Russian Helicopters, hit a snag in late August. Negotiations between the Russian Defense Ministry and AgustaWestland spilled into the press, with deputy defense minister Yuri Borisov telling the country’s news agency Itar-Tass, “It’s a very expensive machine. If they cut the price, then we can return to the issue,” giving the distinct impression that a decision had already been made to pass on the $671 million order.

However, this may just be a bargaining tactic. An AgustaWestland spokesman told AIN that negotiations for the order were still very much alive. “Negotiations are ongoing, we are unable to say at present when further info or a decision is going to be taken,” the spokesman told AIN.

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