The Russian Air Force will take delivery of up to 400 modernized Mi-8 battlefield support helicopters by 2020, service spokesman Col.Vladimir Drik said on Thursday.
“By the end of the year, up to 50 of the latest Mi-8 models will operate, and by 2020 the air force plans to have more than 400 new Mi-8s,” he said.
The latest modernized Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-8MTV5-1 helicopters will appear at the “Common Sky” air force centenary celebration, which will be held on August 12 at Zhukovsky southeast of Moscow.
The Mi-8 is the most numerous helicopter in the air force, and has been produced in greater numbers than any helicopter in history.
“In just 50 years, the Defense Ministry has introduced more than 30 different modifications, including assault transport, radar jamming, command post, communications and search and rescue roles,” he said.
