In 2017 the decision was made to transition from Russian to U.S. helicopters due to issues with sourcing parts and maintenance because of ongoing diplomatic issues between the US, the AAF main source of funds, and Russia. Consequently, it was decided to replace the AAF Mi-17s with refurbished UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The Department of Defense (DoD) requested $814.5M for 2017, the first year of the plan, to re-equip the Afghan Air Force and to provide funding to procure 53 UH-60s, with refurbishment and modification of the first 18. Long term the US plan to provide 159 UH-60 Black Hawks with funding for the first 53 already being secured in the 2017 budget. The DoD will have to request additional funds each year to procure the rest of the proposed aircraft. Deliveries are expected to start in 2019 with 30 helicopters expected to be delivered each year. The UH-60s are also to be fitted with rocket pods to increase their offensive capability and the first four UH-60s slated for training are expected to arrive in Afghanistan in autumn 2017. The refurbished helicopters will be 1980s UH-60As with new engines with the most likely choice being the General Electric T-700-GE-701C, which is found on the U.S. Army's newer UH-60Ls and Ms, as well as the up-coming UH-60V model.