Russian Helicopters and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Bangladesh have signed a contract for the supply of two of the latest Mi-171A2 multipurpose heavy-class helicopters. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

“The contract is a logical continuation of us actively promoting civilian helicopter technology abroad. We regard it as one of the successes of our southeast Asia demo tour at the end of 2018, in which the Mi-171A2 took part," says Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky. "It was signed at the end of a bright and very eventful week, during which we exhibited at the international Dubai Airshow 2021. The agreement confirms the fact that Russian helicopters have gained an excellent reputation and demand in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which has extensive experience of operating Mi-8/17 helicopters. I am sure that the outstanding flight performance, operational parameters and cutting-edge onboard equipment of the Mi-171A2 model will be much appreciated by our partners."

The Mi-171A2 is category A certified in Russia and its first foreign operators were Kazakhstan and India. It is equipped with digitally controlled VK-2500PS-03 engines that, along with upgraded flight navigation and radio communication equipment, have given it fundamentally new capabilities when operating in mountainous regions and hot climates. An X-shaped tail rotor, new composite bladed main rotor and improved aerodynamic profile have increased its cruise and maximum speeds as well as its carrying capacity.

In 2018, the Mi-171A2 took part in a demonstration tour across the countries of southeast Asia and more recently was showcased at this year's Dubai Airshow, when a contract was signed for the supply of two Mi-171A2s to Peru.