The American company Vertol Systems has completed the maintenance of the Russian Mi-17 MD multi-purpose helicopter under a contract with the Colombian Air Force. After a test flight, the aircraft with registration number EJC-3390 returned to service. This is reported by Defensa.
The Colombian Air Force's helicopter fleet includes about 20 Mi-17s, of which only 5 are operational.
Vertol Systems specialists began work on the contract in January 2025. It is expected that three Mi-17s will be ready in the middle of the year, and another three by the end. Thus, about half of the Russian helicopter fleet will be able to perform tasks.
Mi-17s are distinguished by their versatility, reliability and ability to operate in extreme conditions. The Colombian authorities purchased them in the early 2000s for military and humanitarian purposes.
Mi-17MD is a modernized version of the Mi-17 helicopter used in Colombia. The helicopter has increased payload capacity, increased flight range and more powerful engines.
Read also on the topic:
Russian Su-30SME fighters and Mi-17 heavy helicopters have strengthened Myanmar's defense capability
"Ansats" and Mi-8: 76 helicopters entered the fleet of the National Sanitary Aviation Service
Dagestan helicopter AP-55 made a splash at the HeliRussia exhibition in Moscow
The Ka-62 helicopter will appear in an import-substituted version by 2027
