India's potential demand for helicopters could reach 5,000 units if the provision of rotorcraft is brought to Russia's level, adjusted for population. This estimate was provided by Oleg Korobchenko, Minister of Industry and Trade of Tatarstan.

The scale of the potential market is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of the Russian fleet: airlines performing commercial transportation currently operate 933 helicopters. Thus, the estimate of Indian demand exceeds this entire fleet by more than five times. Meanwhile, in 2025, 46 new domestic helicopters were registered in the State Register – almost 90% of all new Russian aircraft registered during the year.

Even against the current pace of renewal of the Russian fleet, 5,000 units represent a huge volume for the industry. In 2024, "Russian Helicopters" supplied 40 multi-purpose Mi-8MTV-1 to the State Transport Leasing Company, and the total GTLC contract provides for 86 Mi-8 family helicopters.

Tatarstan expects to use this potential demand to expand cooperation with India. The republic is exploring the possibility of localizing Russian helicopters in India, as well as creating service infrastructure and transferring technologies. Among the machines under consideration, Korobchenko named the Mi-38, Mi-8, Mi-34, and Ansat.

According to the minister, the specific investment volume has not yet been determined: first, the Russian side intends to understand the Indian market's attitude towards this equipment and the possible scale of demand, after which local production and other parameters of cooperation will be discussed.