Russian Helicopters Showcases Ansat at China Helicopter Exposition 2025

Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec State Corporation, is showcasing the light Ansat helicopter in a medical configuration, along with the firefighting Ka-32A11BC and the multipurpose Mi-8/17, at the China Helicopter Exposition 2025 in Tianjin, China. Scale models of these aircraft are also presented at the company’s stand.

“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% — 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,” said Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.

Chinese operators 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 invaluable asset for emergency medical services and rapid patient transport.

The China Helicopter Exposition 2025 is being held from October 16 to 19 in Tianjin, China.

Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) is a global leader in the helicopter industry and the sole designer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia. Established in 2007 and headquartered in Moscow, the holding company integrates five helicopter manufacturing plants, a national helicopter engineering center combining the expertise of two design offices, component manufacturing and maintenance

enterprises, aircraft repair facilities, and a dedicated service company providing comprehensive after-sales support both domestically and internationally.

Rostec is Russia’s largest industrial corporation, uniting over 800 scientific and manufacturing entities across 60 regions of the country. It serves as a key supplier of weapons, military, and special-purpose equipment under Russia’s state defense order and actively develops high-tech civilian products in strategically important sectors such as aviation, engine manufacturing, transportation and power engineering, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Rostec’s portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as KAMAZ, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russian Helicopters, United Engine Corporation (UEC), Uralvagonzavod, Shvabe, Kalashnikov Concern, KRET, High Precision Systems, Rosoboronexport, Roselektronika, and Nacimbio. In 2024, the corporation’s consolidated revenue exceeded RUB 3.6 trillion.