Russian Helicopters Targets Southeast Asia Market With New Aircraft At LIMA 2025
By Zarul Effendi Razali
LANGKAWI, May 23 (Bernama) -- Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of defence conglomerate Rostec, is aiming to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian (SEA) market by showcasing its latest aircraft at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.
The company is promoting its newly upgraded Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter, the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter, and the Ansat lightweight multipurpose helicopter.
Speaking on the sidelines of LIMA 2025 today, company spokesperson Puminova Valeria highlighted the Mi-171A3 as an ideal solution for many key countries participating in the exhibition.
“Malaysia, for example, is a major exporter of natural resources, with proven oil reserves exceeding 4 billion barrels. Many other Asian nations attending the event also have extensive coastlines or a developed network of offshore deposits.
“For these countries, it is critical to have a fleet capable of operations over both land and sea. The Mi-171A3 is perfectly suited to meet this need,” she told Bernama.
Designed specifically for the oil and gas sector, the Mi-171A3 supports personnel and cargo transport to offshore drilling platforms and is also equipped for offshore search and rescue operations.
The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 13 tonnes and can carry up to 4 tonnes of payload. With additional fuel tanks, it boasts a range of up to 1,000 kilometres.
It can accommodate up to 24 passengers, making it the highest-capacity mass-produced offshore helicopter on the market, and it meets modern safety standards.
Also on display is the versatile Ansat helicopter, which comes in multiple configurations including passenger transport, medical evacuation (ambulance), and search and rescue, each in high demand across the Asia-Pacific region.
In the firefighting sector, Russian Helicopters is presenting the upgraded Ka-32A11M, equipped with the new SP-32 fire extinguishing system developed in Russia. The helicopter is capable of outperforming foreign competitors, with the ability to deliver up to 4,000 litres of water and 400 litres of firefighting foam per flight.
-- BERNAMA