Colombia rejects US offer to buy Russian Mi‑17 helicopters for Ukraine

Americans proposed an offer to Colombia to purchase its fleet of 20 Russian Mi-17 helicopters for £245 million, as reported by Defense Express. The equipment was intended to be sent to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Bogota declined the offer, citing several reasons for this decision.

The United States hoped that buying the Mi-17 helicopters from Colombia would unfold a scenario similar to Ecuador's, which agreed to sell its Soviet-era military equipment in exchange for new, American-made hardware. However, Colombia's political and military leaders did not consent to the deal. According to the Info Defensa website, Colombia's President, Gustavo Petro, aimed to maintain neutrality in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and selling the helicopters would have compromised this stance. Moreover, the military desired to preserve the transport capabilities provided by the Mi-17 helicopters.

Defence Express highlights that the oldest models of the Colombian Mi-17 have been operational for 27 years, and most of the fleet is "essentially inoperable." All helicopters of this type are expected to be retired by 2027. The Colombians have declined to sell the helicopters, which they cannot repair due to sanctions and the inability to fulfil existing service contracts.

The Mi-17 helicopters (NATO reporting name Hip) would have been highly beneficial for the Ukrainians, who are familiar with this model and also facing a shortage of aircraft. Notably, this medium Soviet twin-turbine transport helicopter can double as a combat helicopter. It originates from the Mi-8 helicopter, designed for export with significant modifications such as larger engines (employing Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines), the integration of rotors and gearboxes from the Mi-14 helicopters, and an enhanced fuselage to carry heavier loads.

Operated by a three-person crew, the Mi-17 can transport 24 soldiers, 12 stretchers, or a load of up to 4 tonnes. Its top speed is 155 mph, and its range is 289 miles. The helicopter's primary armament includes 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns. The Mi-17 can carry up to 1.5 tonnes of weaponry, such as free-fall bombs, missiles, and guided projectiles like the 9M17P Scorpion anti-tank missile and the 9K114 Shturm.