Lima, May 29 (Andina-RHC) -- Peru's Air Force (FAP) is expected to receive a delivery of eight new Russian-made helicopters in November, with an additional 16 to come in 2015, according to Peruvian Defense Minister, Pedro Cateriano.

The Mi-171 multi-purpose helicopters were sold to Peru in a $406 million deal in December, and are likely to replace the eight Mi-17 transport helicopters that were sold to Peru in 1984.

The Ollanta Humala administration has set aside US$ 11 million to repair and refit the three Mi-171s it bought in 2010, and an additional US$ 2.8 million to overhaul the presidential transport Mi-17-1B.

According to themoscowtimes.com, Russia will build a maintenance and repair center for the helicopters in Peru by 2016 under the terms of December's contract.

Peru will be able to offer the services of this center to other countries in the region that own Russian helicopters and aircraft like the Su-25 fighter jet, Lenta.ru reported.