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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Nato turns to ex-Soviet bloc to solve helicopter shortage

NATO is trying to fast track a helicopter "trust fund" which could see former Soviet-bloc helicopters upgraded at Western expense to fly British and other allied troops around the battlefield in Afghanistan.

Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania all operate fleets of sturdy, Russian-designed helicopters which could be used to move infantry around rapidly and avoid the risks of roadside bombs to ground vehicles.

All four governments are willing in principle to commit airframes and men, but their crews would need intensive training and the aircraft lack defensive aids suites designed to decoy surface-to-air missiles as well as night vision equipment vital for missions.

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