Mi -171 multipurpose helicopters

Russian news agency Interfax reported on Aug. 22 that Russia and China signed a contract in July to sell China 55 Mi -171 multipurpose helicopters, according to Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, the deputy director of the Federal Service for military-technical cooperation.

Vyacheslav Dzirkaln stressed this is not the only signed contract in recent memory. Previously, there had been a deal to supply China with a large number of aviation engines.

A high-ranking official representing the interests of industrial synthesis with Russia’s national defense sector confirmed the statement, according to an RIA Novosti report released the same day

The official said that the helicopters will be manufactured at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, and the basic configuration for the multipurpose helicopter will cost between 10 to 12 million U.S. dollars.

Russian experts point out that the Mi-171 is a kind of transport helicopter. However, with minor modification, it can carry weapons or other special-use devices.

This kind helicopter can be equipped with advanced Russian anti-tank missiles, C-8 unguided rockets, two-door double 23 mm air guns, and can carry 7.62 mm mobile machine guns in the nose and tail.