South Africa to service Russian-made helicopters

DURBAN, South Africa -- South Africa's state-owned Denel Aviation company will start servicing Russian-made helicopters operating in sub-Saharan Africa, opening a major defense cooperation opportunity between the two countries.

South African President Jacob Zuma (R) shakes hands with Russian President Vladmir Putin before their bilateral meeting the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, March 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma announced that the deal was agreed on Tuesday following the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the opening of the BRICS summit in the South Africa's port city of Durban.

"This is the first service center for Russian helicopters in Sub Sahara Africa. It will offer an opportunity to train qualified helicopter engineers in the continent," said President Zuma.

The service center will also act as a training center for helicopter technicians and pilots, helping increase helicopter engineering talent in Africa.

Zuma and his Russian counterpart Putin witnessed the signing of additional nine bilateral agreements at the Durban's International Conference Center on Tuesday evening.  The agreements cover air safety, education, arts and culture, fishing, mining, transport, energy and science and technology.

"These agreements will enable South Africa and Russia to exchange views on peace and security in Africa and the Middle East. They signify our deepening relations with Russia," said President Zuma.

There are hundreds of Russian-made helicopters operating in Africa. The deal came as a result of deepening Russia-South Africa relations in addition to their common membership in BRICS alongside China, India and Brazil.

The chief executive officer of Denel Aviation attributed the deal to BRICS cooperation. The deal was signed following two years of negotiations.

The facility will be based in Johannesburg and will start off servicing Mi-8 and Mi-17. Both aircraft can be used in civilian or military settings for transport or as gunships.

South Africa has one of the strongest helicopter industries in Africa, including another helicopter manufacturing facility known as Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty).

South African President Jacob Zuma (R) shakes hands with Russian President Vladmir Putin at a bilateral cooperation agreement signing ceremony before the opening of the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban on Mar 26, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]