Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec) has signed a contract with the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) for the supply of 72 Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters. The new rotorcraft will transport people and cargo, including to remote settlements in the country. This was reported by the press service of Rostec State Corporation.
According to the Helicopter Industry Association, in 2025 almost 50% of the fleet in the regions of the Russian Federation consisted of equipment older than 29 years. The need for new helicopters is extremely high, Rostec noted.
Deputy General Director of the corporation Vladimir Artyakov called the Mi-8 "unpretentious, reliable, versatile" machines that can operate in various climatic conditions.
New equipment of our production is designed to replace old machines leaving the fleet, which will increase the safety and reliability of air traffic.
The first Mi-8s under this contract will be manufactured and delivered to operators by Rostec aircraft manufacturers by the end of 2026, Artyakov added.
The Russian Mi-8 is the most mass-produced helicopter in aviation history. The Mi-8MTV-1 is its deeply modernized version, meeting modern flight requirements.
When the machine is equipped with additional fuel tanks of 915 liters each, the flight range significantly increases. This is especially important when operating the helicopter in areas with long distances between settlements.
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