Iraq Receives Mi-17 Helicopters

BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The Iraq Air Force has received a shipment of new
Russian-origin helicopters.
On Oct. 31, the air force received four new Mi-17 utility helicopters at
its base in Taji. The shipment increased the Iraqi military helicopter
fleet, which also includes U.S.-origin platforms, to beyond 50.
"These [new helicopters] will help us tremendously," Iraq Air Force Col.
Salam Hassan said. "They will support the special forces through
transporting and, in the future, combat operations when we have completed
our training."