Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KYIV942
2009-06-02 13:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kyiv
Cable title:
URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING AIR
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHKV #0942 1531301 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 021301Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY KYIV TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7893
UNCLAS KYIV 000942
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/P - TREY LYONS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SMIG PARM UP
SUBJECT: URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING AIR
ASSETS FOR PAKISTAN
REF: SECSTATE 55654
UNCLAS KYIV 000942
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/P - TREY LYONS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SMIG PARM UP
SUBJECT: URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING AIR
ASSETS FOR PAKISTAN
REF: SECSTATE 55654
1. (U) Post has confirmed with the GoU that Ukraine
posesses Mi-8 MTV helicopters, most of which are in need of
substantial refurbishment, but which are comparable in
general terms to the Mi-17. On June 2, contacts at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense
indicated that Ukraine may be interested in exploring a
proposal to supply helicopters to Pakistan, particularly in
light of Ukraine's long-standing strategic cooperation with
the United States and the West. They anticipate that Ukraine
would be most interested in a possible sale, but did not rule
out other options.
Comment
--------------
2. (U) Ukraine's inventory of Mi-8 MTVs is in need of
substantial investment/refurbishment. While the time line is
likely to be mid-term at best, it could be worth exploring a
potential sale or lease to the Government of Pakistan. Post
notes that a U.S. and UN joint team is planning a trip to
Ukraine in late June to explore the possibility of sourcing
helicopters for Darfur from Ukraine. Washington might wish to
consider whether including an expert on that team who could
look into the potential for sourcing helicopters for Pakistan
from Ukraine as well. End Comment.
PETTIT
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/P - TREY LYONS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SMIG PARM UP
SUBJECT: URGENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING AIR
ASSETS FOR PAKISTAN
REF: SECSTATE 55654
1. (U) Post has confirmed with the GoU that Ukraine
posesses Mi-8 MTV helicopters, most of which are in need of
substantial refurbishment, but which are comparable in
general terms to the Mi-17. On June 2, contacts at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense
indicated that Ukraine may be interested in exploring a
proposal to supply helicopters to Pakistan, particularly in
light of Ukraine's long-standing strategic cooperation with
the United States and the West. They anticipate that Ukraine
would be most interested in a possible sale, but did not rule
out other options.
Comment
--------------
2. (U) Ukraine's inventory of Mi-8 MTVs is in need of
substantial investment/refurbishment. While the time line is
likely to be mid-term at best, it could be worth exploring a
potential sale or lease to the Government of Pakistan. Post
notes that a U.S. and UN joint team is planning a trip to
Ukraine in late June to explore the possibility of sourcing
helicopters for Darfur from Ukraine. Washington might wish to
consider whether including an expert on that team who could
look into the potential for sourcing helicopters for Pakistan
from Ukraine as well. End Comment.
PETTIT