KABUL (Pajhwok): A top Russian diplomat has questioned the rationale for America’s plan to substitute Russian helicopters in Afghanistan with its own aircraft.

President Putin’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov suggested on Sunday the Pentagon plan was unlikely to succeed in near future.

Sputnik news agency quoted the diplomat, who attended an international event on Afghanistan in Amritsar, as saying there was no alternative to Russian military equipment used by Afghan forces.

The Pentagon hinted last week at supplying the Afghan army with Black Hawk helicopters to replace the fleet of Russian Mi-17s. Apparently, the plan has been prompted by Western sanctions against Russia.

The curbs have created problems in maintenance of Russian military equipment. A pilot needs four years of training on operating a Black Hawk as part of US requirements.

Kabulov told reporters: "Does Afghanistan have time to wait four years? I do not think that there is enough time. That is why Afghanistan has no alternative to Russian arms…"

The Afghan army was used to Russian military equipment, helicoptersin particular, the special envoy argued, days after the Pentagon requested funding to update at least 53 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Afghan forces.

“The Department of Defense has determined that procuring US-made helicopters is a more sustainable long-term solution to meet the requirements,”DoD spokesman Adam Stump recently told Reuters

The $814 million request, made in a budget amendment submitted this month, would also provide money for other new attack aircraft for the Afghans.

PAN Monitor/mud