THE contract to purchase four Russian Mi-17 helicopters was signed by TNI-Army Chief of Staff, General Ryamizard Ryacudu on December 19, 2002. Unfortunately, the payment process is undergoing problems, which could result in the late delivery of the helicopters to Indonesia. The TNI plans to form four squadrons of Mi-17s, but its taking two years just to get one squadron going.

This type of helicopter is less expensive than the same type produced