French avionics specialist Sagem is to team with the Russian state agency Rosoboronexport to offer an upgraded version of the Mil Mi-24 gunship. The two companies used a Paris press conference yesterday to unveil more details of the partnership, which is aimed at the 50-plus countries operating the basic variant.
Package
The upgrade package includes additional armament as well as cockpit improvements and will be offered in a modular way to offer customers who want an off-the-shelf package a low cost alternative.
Rosoboronexport declined to reveal the unit cost, but said the offer would be substantially cheaper than comparable upgrades via Western manufacturers.
The upgrade is designed to equip the Mi-24 for all-weather, day and night operations and will be NATO compatible, according to the partners. Potential customers include new NATO members from central and eastern Europe, Latin America and countries in Southeast Asia.
Source: Flight Daily News