Russian Helicopter Sales to Syria

[Feanor]

So these were existing Syrian helicopters not brand new ones?

On the news when Hillary Clinton first made mention of these helicopters they mentioned that Syria already had armed helicopters but from the video clips they had it appeared they were armed Mi-8/Mi-17, not Mi-35s. Do Syria have more Mi-35s than those on the ship?

Russian sources said they were Mi-25s. Note, not 35s, 25s. They were undergoing overhaul.

 

[Supermoves]

Of course, now we know that Russia was not selling these attack helicopters to Syria, but rather honoring a maintenance program for helicopters Syria already has.

I'm sure this does not make Washington feel any better about the transaction, as Syria is still likely to use the choppers in an offensive way against the rebels. But its not like Russia is sending over shiny new attack choppers to Syria.