Pentagon Finally Breaks Ties With Russia's Shady Arms Dealer -- Dan Lamothe, Killer Apps/Foreign Policy
For years, it has been one of the world's stranger -- and uglier -- arms deals, blasted by good governance advocates and human rights activists on three continents. Now, the Pentagon and Russia's premier weapons dealer are finally breaking up, amid pressure from Capitol Hill and a possible criminal probe into the Army's controversial program to buy Russian helicopters for the Afghan air force.
The U.S. decided it will no longer buy Mi-17 helicopters, pictured above, from Moscow-based Rosoboronexport, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday. The Defense Department acknowledged it was ending the relationship with the Russian firm, but said that it would continue to deliver previously-purchased helos. The Pentagon initially requested money for more helicopters in its budget for 2014, but has backed off.
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Update: Pentagon cancels plans to buy Russian helicopters -- Reuters
My Comment: I am surprised that this Pentagon - Russian connection has lasted this long.
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