December 9, 2025 – The Russian Helicopters group announced the delivery of three new Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters to GTLK, produced by the Kazan Helicopter Plant.
The aircraft will be assigned to the regions of Magadan and Amur, strengthening missions involving transport, rescue, wildfire response, and support to remote communities.
The delivery is part of a national project to renew the helicopter fleet, conducted by GTLK with resources from the National Welfare Fund (NWF) and support from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade.
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The Mi-8, whose original design was developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the 1960s, became one of the most produced and versatile helicopters in history.
The family evolved continuously, resulting in modern variants such as the Mi-8MTV-1, widely used in civilian and military operations in extreme climates.
According to the general director of Russian Helicopters, Nikolay Kolesov, the model’s reliability explains its longevity in the market:
“The combination of reliability, adaptability, and multifunctionality makes the Mi-8 series helicopters highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. This is a rugged technology that does not require hangar storage and allows for quick maintenance, even in field conditions. In the most remote northern regions, where there are no roads or developed airport infrastructure, the ‘eights’ often become an indispensable link in the transportation system.”
Two of the new helicopters will reinforce the fleet of the airline Polar-Avia, which operates in the Magadan region. The third will be delivered to Avia Base in the Amur region.
A representative of Polar-Avia highlighted the Mi-8’s role in hard-to-reach operations:
“Mi-8-type helicopters are particularly in demand. They ensure the fast and safe delivery of people and cargo to the most inaccessible locations — where it is often impossible to use airplanes. Our results depend as much on the skills of pilots and engineers as on the reliability of domestic aviation.”
The aircraft were prepared to receive additional fuel tanks, expanding their range for missions in isolated areas.
The capacity for external sling load with a weighing device allows the transport of up to 4 tons of cargo. Each Mi-8MTV-1 has 23 internal seats and configurable areas for medical modules.
Source and images: Rostec | Russian Helicopters | Telegram @rhc_aero. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
