3 chapters across the catalog
U.S. Military Contracts for Russian Helicopters in Afghanistan
The U.S. Department of Defense continues to purchase helicopters from a Russian firm to supply Afghan security forces, despite Senator John Cornyn's objections. This creates a diplomatic paradox where the U.S. buys hardware from the same supplier providing equipment to the Syrian regime.
State Department Backtracking on Refurbished Syrian Helicopters
The State Department clarified that the Russian helicopters mentioned by Hillary Clinton were likely old units being returned after refurbishment, rather than new shipments. Journalists questioned why this distinction wasn't made initially, leading to a tense exchange during a press briefing.
Russian Helicopter Contracts, Rosoboronexport Sanctions
The U.S. Department of Defense is under fire for a $1 billion contract with the Russian firm Rosoboronexport to provide MI-17 helicopters for the Afghan military. Senator John Cornyn noted that the same company is supplying weapons to the Syrian regime. The hosts highlight the irony of the U.S. buying Russian equipment while sanctions against the firm were previously lifted in 2010.
