Foreign media: China places another order with Russia for helicopters, buys more than 100 at a time

In 2016, Moscow and Beijing signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of advanced civilian helicopters for the Chinese market, according to the US National Interest website. The company “JSC Russian Helicopters”, as part of the Russian State Technical Group, provides assistance to Chinese partners in developing helicopters.

China has become the largest operator of Russian helicopters in the Asia-Pacific region, which was achieved after years of cooperation between the two countries, according to the report.

The Defense Blog website recently reported that China has placed a new order with Russia for 121 helicopters aircraft. According to Russia’s State Technical Group, China purchased 68 Mi-171 helicopters (including the upgraded Mi-171E), 18 Mi-171Sh helicopters (military transport), 14 Mi-171 helicopters with VK-2500 engines, and 21 Ansat helicopters.

Most of the order is for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Russian side said, but it is unclear in what capacity the helicopters will be used, possibly in a role similar to that in the Russian military, or likely in conjunction with Chinese-built straight-8L transport helicopters.

US media said that Russian Helicopters has supplied China with the versatile Mi-171E helicopter. This model is equipped with an auxiliary power unit to provide air for the engine starter or environmental control system and can carry large cargo weighing 4 tons.

Russia has also actively marketed the Ka-50 helicopter

The Mi-171Sh, on the other hand, was originally designed as a transport vehicle and can be used for a range of missions, including airlift of assault troops, cargo transport, troop fire support, air-to-ground assault, escort of military columns, medical evacuation and combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. This helicopter has an all-weather capability. It features a five-bladed main rotor, a tail rotor and non-retractable front wheel landing gear. The glass cockpit can accommodate a crew of three and the main cabin can accommodate up to 36 soldiers or 12 sub-stretchers.

The Mi-171 also has an armed attack capability.

In August this year, the Russian military announced an upgrade of the Mi-171Sh “Storm” helicopter, which will be equipped with missiles. However, some media reports say that the new model will not go into production for two years.