Why Pakistan may buy Mi-26 chopper from Russia?

Pakistan government may buy Mi26 helicopters from Russia, a Russian news agency hinted, reported Lenta.

Until now, the possible timing of the agreement between the two countries is still unknown. Russia has previously provided Pakistan army with 70 Mi-8 multipurpose helicopters between 1996 and 2010. Currently, these helicopters are being used by Pakistan air force.

Right now, Pakistan army is largely buying military equipment from China and US.

[caption id="attachment_1195" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Mi-26 helicopter is capable of lifting 20 tons of load. Photo: Wikimedia[/caption]

MI-26 helicopter: A giant lifter:

MI-26 helicopter is known for its GIANT muscle power. The huge helicopter can easily lift heavy machinery and vehicles for long distances. Lifting capacity of the MI-26 halo is around 20 ton of heavy armory or 150 troops with full gear.

Mi-26 halo is 40 m long and 8 m in height.

Around five people are needed to pilot this big mechanical halo giant including a flight engineer, two pilots a technician and cargo handler.

Comparison Mi-26 and Chinook:

Where Boeing Chinook a product of American engineering is $25 million, Mil Mi-26 is around $16-$18 million.

However, it is said that MI-26 helicopter consumes a lot of petrol due to its heavy lifting power as compared to Chinook.

Why Pakistan needs Mi-26?

Pakistan has places where heavy machinery is needed however due to absence of roads that machinery can’t reach those places. That is where Mi-26 helicopter will come in to play. The helicopter has the capability to lift even a chinook helicopter, as happened in Afghanistan. Moreover, the helicopter plays an important part in relief efforts.

Moreover, as Pakistan is currently facing a dilemma of loose talks with militants. The helicopters can help the military efforts in curbing the crime in those regions due to the additional military power that can be transported through these helos.

These helos are also being used in relief efforts by UN in Pakistan as this video shows the UN helos in Muzaffarabad.



Why Russia is selling?

Russia on the other hand is being imposed by sanctions from the west as it is obstinately refusing US and EU on Ukraine issue. Russia needs money in this case. So, it is selling armory for which Russia is known around the world to Iran, Pakistan and other countries.