JAKARTA - The Indonesian military has received six more Russian made helicopters Mi-17, expecting another six more. This would make it operate a total of 18 of the multipurpose helicopters, a minister said here on Friday.

Indonesia had already operated six of this kind of helicopter that came in last year. Besides Mi-17, Indonesia also operates five Mi-35 anti-insurgent attack helicopters.

The new Mi-17 helicopters were handed over by the Russian helicopter broker agency Rosoboronexport to the Indonesian government, witnessed by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

The procurement of the Mi-17 helicopter was based on the dire need of the Indonesian army on helicopters that are capable to transport troops and logistics to battle locations. Due to its characteristics, the Mi-17 fulfills the Indonesian army's expectation.

"With thousands of islands in its territory and not much airstrip, helicopter is the most suitable solution to respond to both traditional and non-traditional threats faced by the government," Purnomo said here, referring to separatists and disaster threats that frequently occur in several parts of the country.

The procurement on the 18 Mi-17 helicopters was the first deal that has been conducted after Indonesia ceased armament procurement since 1997. It was done under a soft loan scheme provided by the Russian government.

Purnomo said that Indonesia is now allocated with $56 million to procure military equipment.