Russian Mi-8T helicopters cost HUF 3bn, says Hende

(MTI) – Hungary’s defence ministry approved the purchase of three upgraded Russian Mi-8T helicopters at a cost of 3 billion forints (EUR 9.7m), the defence minister said in a statement published on parliament’s website.

Csaba Hende responded to a written question submitted on June 23 by Marta Demeter, a lawmaker of the opposition Socialists, in connection with daily Magyar Nemzet reporting on April 3 that the defence ministry had purchased three recently upgraded Russian helicopters.

Demeter had asked for details of the purchase, namely who was responsible for making the decision “just days ahead of the Hungarian general election” and how much the helicopters cost.

Hende said that the decision was made by the defence ministry in early 2014. The the purchase contract was signed on February 28 for a price of 2.998 billion forints gross, covered entirely from the ministry’s budget, he said.

After a full upgrade by the Moscow-based Mil Helicopter Plant bureau between September 2013 and March 2014, the three helicopters were transported to central Hungary’s Kecskemet air base in early April. Two of them have already received permissions to be used in service in the Hungarian air force and the authorisation procedure of the third is expected to be completed soon, the ministry said.

All three Mi-8Ts are suitable for military and civilian missions, Hende said.

Photo: repulnijo.hu

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters