Russia has publicly opposed Argentina’s plan to transfer Mi-171E helicopters to Ukraine, a stance voiced by Dmitry Feoktistov, the Russian Ambassador to Argentina.
According to the ambassador, Argentina has historically held a principled position against supplying weapons and military equipment to conflict zones, including Ukraine. He noted that a message was delivered to the government of the country’s newly elected president, Javier Milei, emphasizing the need to maintain this policy consistently.
Noticias Urbanas, an Internet portal, reported in mid-December that Argentina’s Cabinet was considering transferring two Mi-171E transport helicopters, purchased from Russia, to Ukraine. Feoktistov claimed the issue surfaced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s attendance at Milei’s inauguration on December 10.
Feoktistov said Argentina has not issued an official comment on the matter. Negotiations have continued, and discussions about a possible transfer were reportedly revived in the days following the inauguration.
Why did Argentina reconsider its position?
The Mi-171E helicopters were bought in 2011 to support Argentina’s Antarctic stations and to conduct search-and-rescue missions in the region. Feoktistov recalled that the helicopters had been widely used by Argentines in Antarctica and were regarded as reliable and capable assets.
The initial deal included plans for three additional helicopters, but Noticias Urbanas indicated that sanctions affecting Russia disrupted the supplier’s ability to fulfill those obligations.
Earlier, U.S. representatives had approached Ukraine with a proposal to transfer the helicopters, but the outgoing Argentine Council of Ministers reportedly rejected that plan. The discussion in the United States suggested that the price of the Mi-171E could factor into a broader assessment of arms purchases, including the potential cost considerations in relation to future F-16 acquisitions. There was also a perception that a helicopter transfer might be seen as a modest but meaningful gesture of support to Ukraine.
As negotiations continue, Noticias Urbanas reported that a transfer could happen within a short timeframe. Some observers argued that such a move would mark a departure from Argentina’s long-standing neutral stance, especially if the helicopters were modified with additional fuel tanks, weather radar, emergency buoys, and a cargo crane for extended Antarctic missions. The Mi-171E is viewed by supporters as a strategic asset for long-range operations in the region.
Two helicopters reportedly out of service
Feoktistov noted that both helicopters are currently not operational. He added that rotorcraft in need of major repairs cannot alter the underlying issue: Argentina’s transfer of these aircraft to its competitors would run counter to their end-user obligations and commitments.
In a discussion with socialbites.ca, Alexey Chepa, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma International Relations Committee, warned of potential long-term consequences for Buenos Aires if the transfer proceeds. He explained that, at the time of purchase, Argentina signed an end-user agreement specifying who could use the helicopters. A transfer to a third party would breach this agreement and could trigger responsibilities under both bilateral and international obligations. Chepa suggested that such a move could affect bilateral relations and could invite formal complaints directed at the Argentine administration and the president elected in the latest vote, highlighting the potential diplomatic fallout and scrutiny from multiple parties, including Russia and the United States.