Iran concludes chopper accord with Russia.

IRAN CONCLUDES HELICOPTER ACCORD WITH RUSSIA

MOSCOW [MENL] — Russia has agreed to sell combat helicopters to Iran.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Moscow has concluded an agreement to sell the aircraft to Teheran. Ivanov said the contract does not pose any threat to Persian Gulf security.

Ivanov did not identify the helicopter or the size of the contract. Iran has been seeking the Mi-17 medium transport helicopter as well as the Mi-24 attack helicopter. The Mi-24 has a weapons payload that includes missiles and bombs.

The defense minister said the helicopter deal was had been discussed with Teheran since 1999. He said the sale is part of negotiation for a much larger military package.