Rosoboronexport and the Indian Defense Ministry have signed an agreement to deliver 59 Russian military airlift helicopters to the Indian Air Force

Moscow, December 26, 2012
Press release

Russian military equipment and weapons exporter Rosoboronexport and the Indian Ministry of Defense have entered into an agreement to supply 59 Russian Mil Mi-17B-5 military airlift helicopters through the end of 2015.

The agreement to deliver helicopters was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin visit to India on December 24, 2012. The new shipment of Mil Mi-17B-5 is going to  be delivered under the 80 helicopter contract signed by the Indian Ministry of Defense and Rosoboronecport in 2008.

In addition, Vladimir Putin’s Indian visit resulted in signing a package of documents on military technology cooperation between Russia and India, including cooperation in helicopter making. India is Russia’s traditional business partner in purchasing aircraft, and currently has a fleet of 280 Russian-made helicopters. Russian Helicopters management expressed their certainty in the holding company’s ability to meet the needs of Indian helicopter operators – both military and civilian.

Mil Mi-17B-5 helicopters for the Indian Air Force are constructed at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, controlled by Russian Helicopters Holding Company. Mi-17B-5 are some of the most advanced modern helicopters both on the global market and within the Indian Air Force’s fleet.

Mil Mi-8/17 helicopters are currently seen as a symbol of the Russian aviation industry, justifying the strong interest in them by a highly successful combination of accumulated modern technological breakthroughs with the experience of operational use of their predecessors. These modern helicopters, equipped with new engines and onboard electronics and avionics have inherited the best features of the series: high reliability, low maintenance requirements and ease of operation. As the best in class, they are capable of reliable operation, performing a broad spectrum of tasks under a range of different conditions, including maritime and tropical climate as well as in mountains and deserts.

Rosoboronexport OJSC is the only government-run organization in Russia to export the entire spectrum of defense and dual-purpose products, services and technologies, operated as part of Rostec Corporation. Rosoboronexport is one of the global leaders in the armaments market. The company accounts for more than 80% of Russian exports of weapons and military equipment. Rosoboronexport collaborates with more than 700 of Russian defense manufacturers and suppliers. Russia has a wide geography of military technology cooperation, spanning more than 70 countries around the world.

Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary company of OboronProm (part of Rostec), a global leader in helicopter manufacturing, and the only Russian helicopter designer and manufacturer. The holding company was established in 2007. The company is headquartered in Moscow and comprises five helicopter manufacturing plants, two design bureaus, as well as manufacturers of components and accessories, and a service company providing aftermarket support in Russia and overseas. Key buyers for the holding company’s products include the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian Interior (Police) and Emergency and Disaster Response Ministries, Gazprom Avia and UTair airlines, as well as major Russian and international companies. Russian Helicopters generated RUB 103.9 billion in 2011 revenues (up 27.8% year-on-year), delivering 262 helicopters to customers.   

United Industrial Defence Corporation OboronProm OJSC is a multi-product line engineering and manufacturing conglomerate, established in 2002, currently part of the Rostec Government Corporation. Its main business lines are helicopter manufacturing (through Russian Helicopters OJSC) and engine making (through the United Engine Making Corporation).

Rostec is a Russian government corporation established in 2007 to promote design, manufacture and exports of high-tech manufacturing products for civilian and military use. The corporation comprises 663 companies and organizations, currently grouped under 12 holding companies in the defense industry sector, and five companies in civilian manufacturing sectors. Rostec subsidiaries lie in 60 Russian regions, shipping their products to the markets of more than 70 countries around the world. The corporation’s subsidiaries employ more than 900,000 people, or approximately 2% of the Russian workforce. Rostec generated RUB  45.6 billion in net earnings in 2011, paying RUB 100 billion in federal, regional and local taxes.

Roman Kirillov
+7(917)564-33-46
+7(495)627-55-45 (Ext. 7240)
press@rus-helicopters.com