Ukrainian company Motor Sich JSC and the Paramount Group of South Africa have signed a collaborative deal to further develop the Superhind Mi-24 military helicopter. According to Paramount Group chairman Ivor Ichikowitz, the two companies will exchange technologies — the Ukrainian company’s engines and Paramount’s composite rotor blades.

The deal comes as Ukraine attempts to broaden its military production capacity and find new suppliers for parts previously obtained from Russia, particularly in its aviation industry.

Leading this project is Ukroboronprom, which was created in 2010 to co-ordinate the research, development and design work of more than 100 companies across five industries.

A spokesman said the country needs “to equip its neglected military to a basic level, upgrading our artillery, weaponry and battle tanks, while implementing maintenance programmes.

“Nobody actually paid any attention to the way the army was equipped for the last 20-plus years, because everybody was feeling safe and secure. What we are doing now is getting back to the basics.”