The potential demand of the Russian market for light multi-purpose Mi-34M1 helicopters exceeds 800 units. This assessment was voiced by the head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, commenting on the development of the domestic helicopter industry.
This is a rather capacious and interesting niche, in which we must definitely be represented and supply these light helicopters.
According to Alikhanov, after the cessation of Mi-1 production in the 1950s in the USSR, and then in modern Russia, no aircraft of this class were created. The return to this category of technology is not just a restoration of competencies, but a response to a real market demand.
This statement was made against the backdrop of the successful first test flight of the Mi-34M1 with a fully Russian VK-650V engine, which took place on December 30, 2025. The machine is designed for a wide range of tasks: from regional passenger transportation and agricultural work to patrolling and search and rescue operations in difficult climatic conditions.
The key advantage of the Mi-34M1 is its power plant. The VK-650V engine was developed and produced in Russia, which eliminates dependence on foreign supplies and simplifies maintenance in the regions. The same unit is already installed on the Ansat helicopter, which also made its first flight in 2025 in a fully import-substituted version. This indicates systematic work on localizing critical components in aircraft manufacturing.
Serial production is expected to begin after the completion of flight tests and obtaining permission from Rosaviatsiya.
