Russian Arctic Helicopters May Attract China, Oil and Gas Companies

China, as well as some Russian agencies, are likely to be interested in buying Mi-8AMTSh-VA Arctic Helicopter and the talks with potential buyers are underway, Leonid Belykh, managing director of the Russian JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP), manufacturing the helicopters, said Tuesday.

ULAN-UDE (Russia), (Sputnik) – Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter has advanced heating systems and the latest navigation and radio equipment.

"It [Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter] has the export capability," Belykh told reporters, adding that China and Argentina, among the other states having interests in the Arctic region, may be attracted by the prospect of purchasing the helicopters.

According to Belykh, UUAP conducts pre-contract work with Russian geological exploration, oil and gas companies, including the state oil giant Rosneft.

Belykh expressed confidence that the supplies of the helicopters to the naval aviation of the Russian navy will increase.

Earlier in the day, the first helicopter has been delivered to the naval aviation and the new deals will be signed depending on the needs, Belykh added.