By INS Contributors

TIANJIN, China: Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec State Corporation, announced its intent to expand the cooperation with China, which already operates a significant number of Russian Mil and Kamov choppers. At the China Helicopter Exposition 2025 it showcased its latest models.

“Expanding cooperation with China remains one of our top strategic priorities. Today, a broad range of Russian civil helicopters is in service across China, including 33 Mi-171 units, four Mi-26TS helicopters, and a fleet of 40 Ka-32A11BC helicopters. Our partners consistently emphasize their high efficiency and reliability. Heavy-lift models have proven to be exceptionally reliable and remain the most in-demand on Asian markets,” said Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.

At the China Helicopter Exposition 2025 Russian Helicopters demonstrated the scaled models of Ansat, Ka-32A11BC and Mi-8/17 helicopters.

Nikolay Kolesov: “Our Chinese partners have been actively operating Russian heavy and super-heavy helicopters for many years. For example, the Ka-32A11BC has long been used for firefighting missions, consistently demonstrating its effectiveness even in the most challenging conditions. 

“The total fleet of Russian-made helicopters in China exceeds 450 units, about 390 of which — roughly 85 percent — are heavy Mi-8/17 type helicopters. Chinese operators are now considering expanding their fleets, and interest in Russian helicopters continues to grow. This is the result of systematic efforts by Russian Helicopters and Rostec as a whole.”

Russian Helicopters is ready to offer its Chinese partners the Ka-32A11BC and its modernized version, the Ka-32A11M, for firefighting operations; the Mi-26TS for large-scale disaster relief; and the light Ansat helicopter for medical evacuation missions and pilot training, said the company's press-service.

At the exhibition in Tianjin Russian Helicopters organized the conference, during which operators of Russian-made helicopters across the Asia-Pacific region shared their experience and discussed future cooperation opportunities with the producer. 

The conference featured representatives of Chinese companies who highlighted the successful operation of Russian helicopters certified in China. 

During the conference, a series of meetings were held in which the Russian delegation expressed its readiness to supply additional batches of helicopters to China. 

Chinese operators, as Russian Helicopters note, have expressed interest in the Ka-32A11BC and its modernized version, the Ka-32A11M, for firefighting; the Mi-8/17 for search-and-rescue missions; the Mi-26TS for disaster relief operations; and the light Ansat for air ambulance services and pilot training.

The multipurpose Mi-8/17 family continues to evolve, with improved flight performance achieved through the introduction of an X-shaped tail rotor, new materials, and — most importantly — more powerful and efficient engines, significantly expanding the helicopter’s operational capabilities.

The Ka-32A11BC, specifically equipped for firefighting, is deployed in dozens of countries worldwide. 

Its maneuverability, stability, high power-to-weight ratio, and ability to operate a water cannon even in dense urban environments make Ka-32 helicopters indispensable for firefighting operations, including those involving high-rise buildings.

The Ansat also demonstrates strong export potential. Already widely used across Russia and in several other countries, it has proven to be an efficient asset for emergency medical services and rapid patient transport.