On December 10, 2025, a major meeting regarding the certification of vital domestically manufactured helicopters took place at the Coordination Center of the Government of the Russian Federation. The event took place during the fourteenth regular session of the Aviation Equipment Certification Headquarters, convened as part of the special project “Civil Aviation,” and was presided over by Dmitry Yadrov, the Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya).
The meeting concentrated on three Russian helicopters across various weight classes: the lightweight multipurpose Ansat-M helicopter and the two medium multipurpose helicopters, Mi-171A3 and Ka-62. Representatives from industry, specialized research institutions, and Rosaviatsiya received comprehensive reports on the present progress of import substitution and certification efforts for these aircraft.
Context and Significance of the Meeting
The meeting on December 10 represented an important step in the execution of the state initiative dedicated to the development of Russia’s civil aviation industry. This program is designed to strengthen technological sovereignty, modernize the national aircraft fleet, and increase the availability of aviation transportation services across the country’s regions. In recent years, the Russian aviation sector has been proactively shifting its focus toward domestic components and technologies in response to sanctions and limitations on foreign imports.
The participation of a diverse group of specialists, including representatives from civil and defense industries as well as specialized scientific institutions, exemplifies a comprehensive governmental strategy for addressing the challenges of import substitution in the aviation sector. These issues are of strategic significance not only for national security but also for necessary standard infrastructure, including air ambulance services, regional passenger transportation, and connectivity for remote regions in the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East.
Vertical Integration in Russian Helicopter Manufacturing
As a result of ongoing efforts, Russian aerospace companies are progressively developing indigenous expertise in the manufacturing of all essential helicopter systems and components—from engines and transmissions to avionics and integrated control systems.
The state support initiative for the aviation industry aims to develop multiple generations of helicopters incorporating predominantly or entirely domestically manufactured components. This is of vital importance for the consistent advancement of the sector amidst ongoing sanctions and restrictions on foreign suppliers.
Ansat-M: A Fully Import-Substituted Light Helicopter
Project Background
The Ansat-M light multipurpose helicopter is among Russia’s primary platforms for civil aviation. Engineered to accommodate up to eight passengers, it is suitable for a diverse array of missions, such as commercial transportation, air ambulance services, corporate travel, pilot training, and various other specialized applications.
The Ansat-M project received renewed impetus through the execution of an import substitution initiative, which mandated the comprehensive replacement of all foreign components, including the powerplant. The new engine, the VK-650V, was developed by the United Engine Corporation and signifies a significant advancement toward complete technological autonomy for the platform.
Initial Flight and Certification Evaluation
The domestically produced variant of the Ansat-M conducted its inaugural flight on September 2, 2025. By December 1, 2025, all bench certification programs had been successfully completed, and initial flight testing had also advanced, with a minimum of ten flights conducted as part of the certification preparation process.
According to the leadership of the Kazan Helicopter Plant’s design bureau, responsible for the development of the Ansat-M, the certification process is progressing as scheduled, and the conclusion of all necessary tests is anticipated in the near future. Special emphasis is being placed on the performance evaluation of the new engine, the flight control systems, and the overall airworthiness during these tests.
Exports and Global Context
The domestically developed Ansat-M has already garnered international attention. The helicopter was showcased at the Dubai Airshow 2025, where it garnered favorable feedback. This illustrates the aircraft’s potential not only for the domestic market but also for export to the Middle East and other regions.
Operational Outlook
The first serial deliveries of the Ansat-M fitted with the VK-650V engine are expected to start in 2026. This will signify a new phase in the development of Russia’s air ambulance fleet and regional helicopter transportation.
Previously, there was a serious possibility that Ansat helicopters fitted with foreign engines could be grounded due to sanctions, as international manufacturers declined to supply maintenance and support. The domestically produced version mitigates these risks, which is essential for the maintenance and growth of the medical and utility helicopter fleet.
Mi-171A3: Modernization and Expanded Capabilities
Platform Overview
The Mi-171A3 medium multipurpose helicopter represents an advanced version of the renowned Mi-8/17 family—one of the most extensively manufactured and identifiable helicopter platforms in the annals of Russian aviation. The Mi-171A3 has a maximum capacity of twenty-four passengers, rendering it highly suitable for commercial transportation and specialized operations.
The cargo variant of the Mi-171A3 was awarded its type certificate in December 2022. Since that time, efforts have persisted in refining the fundamental design and enhancing the helicopter’s operational versatility, including the certification of passenger and search-and-rescue configurations.
New Tasks and Offshore Certification
Furthermore, the developer has been assigned the responsibility of developing a certified offshore variant of the Mi-171A3 that complies with international IOGP standards and satisfies the specifications of companies within the petroleum and energy industry. Offshore helicopters are sought after for the transfer of personnel and cargo to offshore platforms, the execution of search and rescue missions over water, and operations in challenging maritime conditions.
To accomplish this, the helicopter must demonstrate safe operation under icing conditions, expanded capabilities for extended maritime flights, increased designated service life of the fuselage and fuel system, and improved survivability. These modifications will be formalized through approval of a significant design change within the existing type certificate.
Ka-62: Challenges in Import Substitution and Certification
Background and Preliminary Certification
The Ka-62 medium multipurpose helicopter was initially granted its type certification in 2021. However, the aircraft’s significant reliance on foreign components rendered mass production unfeasible under the prevailing geopolitical circumstances. The initial design depended on imported engines, transmissions, and various other essential systems.
Import Substitution: Innovative Systems and Components
The import substitution initiative for the Ka-62 entails replacing the transmission components with domestically produced ATV-62 units, integrating Russian-manufactured VK-1600V engines, and developing a comprehensive array of onboard systems. This encompasses fundamental avionics, a crashworthy fuel system, an integrated helicopter systems control unit, and various other essential subsystems.
To date, nine sets of ATV-62 transmissions have been produced for bench testing, and four prototype engines have been indicated as prepared. These procedures are crucial for readying the helicopter for flight testing utilizing domestically manufactured components.
Current Status and Technical Complexity
Import substitution for the Ka-62 continues to be one of the most technically demanding challenges within the Russian helicopter industry, owing to the large number of foreign components in the original design. Nevertheless, Russian engineers are consistently substituting all essential components with domestically produced equivalents. The successful completion of this initiative will not only facilitate the resumption of serial production but also considerably enhance the technological independence of Russia’s helicopter industry.
Impact on Russia’s Civil Aviation Industry
The certification and subsequent deployment of the Ansat-M, Mi-171A3, and Ka-62 are anticipated to significantly influence Russia’s civil aviation sector. These helicopters will facilitate the advancement of air ambulance operations, medical evacuation, and regional commercial transportation, especially in remote and inaccessible regions such as the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East.
The availability of certified domestic helicopters will diminish dependence on foreign technology, enhance the resilience of the aviation infrastructure, and promote economic growth in remote areas. Furthermore, these aircraft will serve as the foundation for new aviation services, including corporate transportation, support for the energy industry, and intricate search-and-rescue missions.
Final Remarks
The December 10 meeting represented a key milestone in the execution of Russia’s civil aviation development strategy. Under the auspices of Rosaviatsiya, extensive initiatives are in progress to upgrade and certify three principal domestic helicopter platforms: the Ansat-M, Mi-171A3, and Ka-62.
Ongoing initiatives in import substitution and certification demonstrate the continued commitment of Russian engineers and industrial enterprises to enhance technological sovereignty and secure the long-term stability of the nation’s air transportation system. In the long term, the successful certification of these helicopters will not only enhance the domestic civil aviation fleet but also potentially create new opportunities for exporting Russian helicopter technology to international markets.