Local press agency RIA Novosti in Moscow is reporting that the Russian Defence Military has announced plans to buy seven AW139 helicopters for VIP transport.  The aircraft will be built by HeliVert, the joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland – who in turn recently announced the first flight of a locally-completed AW139.  The joint venture is expected to build 15-20 AW139s per year when production is fully up and running.

Despite announcing these specific plans, the Federal Agency for Arms Procurements said Monday that it planned to announce an open tender in February, which will be decided in November.  HeliHub.com is unsure how that sits against a statement firmly aligning with the AW139, although it is a clear way of supporting the new local production line.  Kamov employees considering the Ka62 model would justifiably wonder why they have been side-lined without being given a chance, although there are suggestions that this type will also be bought – but only for troop and cargo transport work.

Nikolai Vanesev – HeliHub.com Moscow correspondent