Russian Helicopters is to assist Iran to retrofit a repair center for Mi-17 helicopters and also supply it with helicopter parts.

Alexander Shcherbinin, deputy chief executive officer of Russian Helicopters, said the assistance comes through a contract signed with the Iranian Organization for Aviation Industry during an August airshow in Russia and a deal struck with PANHA signed recently at the Dubai Airshow.

Shcherbinin said the repair facility to be retrofitted is for Iran's civilian Mi-17s.

The military variant is called the "Hip" by NATO. It has a speed of 155 miles per hour and a range of 289 miles. It is primarily used to transport troops and cargo.

"The second contract outlines the general conditions for supplying spare parts as well as documentation for the maintenance and repair of Mi-17 helicopters," Shcherbinin said.

"At the same time, the Iranians have provided the Russian side with information about the state of the aircraft that will be repaired at the plant, as well as for the equipment installed in these helicopters."

He said a roadmap is in place for building in Iran a large-scale center for service and capital repair of Mi-17 helicopters.

Additional details were not disclosed.

Norway to privatize state-owned aircraft maintenance company
Oslo, Norway (UPI) Nov 17, 2015 - Norway's state-owned company for maintenance of military aircraft is to be transformed into a privately owned enterprise.

Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Sereide said the conversion of Aerospace Industrial Maintenance Norway SF, or AIM Norway SF, is a strategic ownership measure necessary to further develop the company.

AIM Norway SF was formerly known as Air Force LHK. Its owner is the Ministry of Defense. It has a contract for work related to F-35 Lightning II fighters and will have the opportunity to establish a capacity to maintain F135 engines for the new fighters.

"This is in line with the government's goal that private ownership should be the general rule in Norwegian industry, and that state ownership should be decided on a case-by-case basis," the defense minister said.

"A broader ownership can add significant and relevant expertise required to further develop the company, and contribute to synergy with other relevant defense industry."

No timetable for converting the company to private ownership was given.