Helicopters Mi-17 and Mi-24
In its programme to modernise its fleet of helicopters, the Czech military decided to procure upgraded versions of Russian machines, taking advantage of a Russian-Czech agreement associated with the settlement of outstanding debts of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. Pursuant to the deal, the Czech Armed Forces received 16 helicopters of the Mi-171Š variant and 17 pieces of Mi-35/24Vs.
Deliveries of the Mi-171Š were terminated at the end of 2005, while the last delivery of the Mi-35/24V was in January 2006. The procurement of these helicopters will facilitate a complete rearmament of Czech helicopter aviation, with an expected service life of at least twenty years.
During 2006 – 2008, the Mi-171Š were equipped with NATO minimum-level standard avionics; similar upgrades were made for the Mi-35/24V. The programme has been undertaken in order to meet NATO interoperability and compatibility standards.