Russia is developing a new modular armor system for the multi-purpose Mi-8 helicopter. It will be installed on more than 50 rotorcraft, Defence blog writes, citing the analytical website Oryx (Netherlands).
According to Oryx analysts, who collect information from open sources, Russia has allegedly lost 49 Mi-8 helicopters since the beginning of 2022.
Given such a number of losses, the Russians need to increase the survivability of the Mi-8, according to the author of Defence blog.
Specialists from the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant are developing the modular armor system. It is currently undergoing testing.
What modules does the system consist of:
- cockpit protection module
- fuselage protection module
- ramp protection module
The modular approach allows armor to be installed on the Mi-8 based on the tasks at hand. Maximum protection, but with reduced payload – for a combat sortie. When performing logistics tasks, the number of modules is reduced.
Mi-8 crews will be able to install armor protection before each mission, which provides "a certain flexibility".
More than 50 helicopters of various modifications will be equipped with the modular protection system within 2 years. This indicates that the testing phase is nearing completion, and then serial production will begin.
In Russia, the Mi-8 helicopter is used for civilian and military purposes. The Russian Ministry of Defence does not disclose information about incidents involving helicopters. In the civilian sector, there have been at least 19 incidents with Mi-8s in 2024-2025. In most cases, due to technical malfunction and difficult weather conditions.
Read more on the topic:
- Pilots saved Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters from a missile strike by a mock enemy in Primorye
- Mi-24 helicopters armed with GSh-23 cannons hid from the air defense of a mock enemy during the Baltic Fleet exercises
- In Full Combat Gear: Marines of the Northern Fleet Perform Jumps from a Mi-8 Helicopter with D-6 Parachutes
