The Russian Helicopters company and a Chinese representative are holding negotiations on the deliveries of ten Mi-171 transport helicopters. The first delivery of the aircraft, which is equipped with the Russian aero engine VK-2500, is scheduled for the winter of 2020.
Mi-171 is a modification of the Mi-8 helicopter and was previously equipped with the engine produced by the Ukrainian manufacturer Motor Sich. The Russian engine is more costly but has equal technical parameters and has been certified in China.
Negotiations are also underway with the Indian helicopter company Vectra over a lease of two Mi-171A2 helicopters. A contract for exporting another such aircraft was signed at an international exhibition in the United Arab Emirates in 2017. However, despite the initial payment made for the delivery, the said modification is yet to be certified in India.