Russia could help Slovakia modernize its fleet of Soviet-made combat helicopters, a Russian presidential aide said on Tuesday.
Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev will visit Slovakia on April 6-7 at the invitation of Slovakia's President Ivan Gasparovic. The presidents are planning to discuss military-technical cooperation among other issues.
"We are conducting talks on repairs and modernization of Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters in service with the Slovakian air force," Sergei Prikhodko said.
The Slovakian combat helicopter fleet is composed entirely of Russian types, including the Mi-35 (an export version of the Mi-24 Hind), Mi-17 (an export version of the Mi-8 Hip) and Mi-2 Hoplite models.
In 2008, Russia gave 12 modernized MiG-29 fighters to Slovakia.
The 12 MiG-29AS/MiG-29UBS fighters were upgraded in Slovakia by the MiG company and Western firms for NATO compatibility under a 2004 contract. The Slovak Air Force currently has a total of 21 MiG-29 aircraft in service.
MOSCOW, April 6 (RIA Novosti)
