The plan calls for the manufacture of 86 helicopters in Russia over 2023 to 2025, with a total budget around 44.5 billion rubles. This figure was shared by Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, who spoke on the record to press outlets. The intended production mix centers on Mi-8AMT/Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters, setting the target at 86 units and signaling that 17 Russian air carriers are slated to take delivery of these machines. These numbers reflect a broader strategy to boost domestic aerospace capabilities and support the national aviation market amid evolving economic conditions. [Citation: Ministry of Industry and Trade]
Manturov clarified that the contracts backing this program were signed with the explicit authority of the Russian President, placing the initiative within a high-priority lane of state economic policy. The announcements emphasize that the government aims to modernize the national fleet and enhance domestic production lines for both civil and military aviation needs. The emphasis on presidential authorization underscores the political importance of sustaining a robust aerospace sector. [Citation: Kremlin Communications Office]
Additionally, the minister outlined agreements related to domestic aircraft and helicopter leasing with Russian carriers. He noted that these deals were arranged in accordance with the President’s January directive and highlighted a total contractual value of approximately 274.9 billion rubles. The plan involves a sequence of investment leases and long-term financing designed to keep cash flows stable for operators while accelerating the modernization of the aviation fleet. [Citation: Ministry of Industry and Trade]
In the ministry’s statement, three investment project passports for civil aircraft leasing were approved, and contracts were executed among lessors, operators, and manufacturers. The framework aims to streamline coordination across industry participants, reduce procurement lead times, and align leasing activity with national policy goals for aviation independence. [Citation: Ministry of Industry and Trade]
The investments target both production and preferential leasing of aircraft, financed through the National Wealth Fund at preferential rates, not exceeding 1.5 percent per annum. This mechanism is designed to incentivize rapid fleet renewal while maintaining favorable terms for airlines that commit to domestic equipment. The strategy supports long-term asset utilization and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains within the aviation sector. [Citation: National Wealth Fund]
As part of the contracts, Aeroflot is set to receive 63 aircraft valued at about 175.4 billion rubles during 2023 to 2025. The allocation includes 18 MS-21 jets, 34 SSJ New airplanes, and 11 Tu-214 aircraft. In addition, manufacturers are tasked with producing 39 Russian-built aircraft and Avrora airline’s helicopters, with 55 of these being SSJ New aircraft, 10 LMS-901 Baikal planes, and 10 Mi-171A2 helicopters, plus 11 Mi-171A3 helicopters. The total value indicated for these supply commitments stands in the vicinity of several hundred billion rubles, reflecting a substantial modernization push across civil aviation lines. [Citation: Aeroflot press release]
Earlier notes from Rostec pointed to a shift toward domestically sourced components for unmanned aerial vehicles, with a pledge that by year-end the UAVs would rely on internal suppliers. The move is framed as a step toward reducing import dependence and strengthening the domestic high-tech manufacturing base, a recurring theme in Russia’s long-term industrial strategy. [Citation: Rostec]