OREANDA-NEWS. The US Department of Defense on Thursday announced it plans to circumnavigate a Congressional prohibition to purchase 30 helicopters worth USD 690 million from Rosoboronexport despite allegations that the firm armed the Syrian government in its on-going conflict with rebels.

“The Department of Defense (DOD) has notified Congress of its intent to contract with Rosoboronexport for 30 additional Mi-17 rotary-wing aircraft to support the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) Special Mission Wing,” Pentagon spokesman James Gregory said.

The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, approved by Congress last year, includes an amendment that prohibits financial contracts between the United States and Rosoboronexport, except when the Secretary of Defense determines that such arrangements are in the interest of national security.

“Given current timelines, the department has determined that Rosoboronexport is the only viable means of meeting ANSF requirements” for the helicopters, Gregory said.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, a bipartisan Congressional group wrote last week objecting to the ongoing business relationship between the Russian arms company and the Pentagon.