So Rosoborneksport recently almost doubled the price of the Mi-17-1V contract, from 650 million to over a billion. The full story is here:
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/india-to-buy-80-mi17-1v-helicopters-02755/
At this rate Russia is seriously in danger of losing the Indian market.
I have to hand it to them, they must be really good at playing poker. They know the mi-17 is a bargain for the price they sold it at, and they thought why should they sell if for bargain prices? India is paying russia to resurrect an old rusted ship, with the amount of money to almost build a brand new ship.Then why shouldnt the russians raise prices for helicopters that are brand new?
Besides they know no other helicopter is available for the price or time frame, India needs it in, plus the logistics and service centers are already in place.
As i said, u have to hand it to the Russiana, they like to gamble. Since the russians are looking to make money not to build long term relations. They understand the risk of losing future deals for the sake of money. But they also know India is gonna come knocking at their door because their equipment is cheaper and India already uses Russian equipment. So accordingly they price their products to maximize profit.
Going from 700mil to over a billion is no joke! The Russians are serious, and India is getting bent over :nutkick ... and the sad fact is India doesnt have much of a choice...
On the positive side.. as i said atleast the helos are brand new, not used..?
... lol