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Nepal has received four new helicopters to provide tactical mobility in fighting the Maoist guerrilla insurgency. Two are Russian-built Mi-17s bought from Kyrghistan for $5.8 million (total); they have been refurbished and given new engines. The other two are Indian-built Cheetah light utility helicopters received free from India as foreign aid. Prior to receiving these four aircraft, the Nepalese Army Air Service had six helicopters: three SA-316B Alouette light helicopters, one Mi-17 tactical troop helicopter, one AS-332L Super Puma medium lift helicopter, and one AS-350 Ecureuil light helicopter.--Stephen V Cole