Russia Plans New Mi-80 Helicopter to Replace Iconic Mi-8/17 Fleet

Russia is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most iconic helicopters—the Mi-8/17 series—and welcome a new generation of multirole aircraft under the name Mi-80. Announced on July 3, 2025, the Mi-80 project is seen as a big step toward modernizing Russia’s helicopter fleet and fixing long-standing problems in its aviation industry.

The Mi-8, first flown in the 1960s, has become one of the most widely used helicopters in the world, known for its reliability, versatility, and rugged design. But over the years, keeping these helicopters in service has become increasingly difficult and expensive. A big part of the problem is that Russia’s two main helicopter factories—Kazan and Ulan-Ude—have been building different versions of the Mi-8, using parts that aren’t always compatible. This has led to costly and complicated logistics, especially during military operations.

That’s where the Mi-80 comes in. Designed to replace both the Mi-8 and Mi-17, the Mi-80 is built to be more modern, efficient, and unified. It’s based on the Mi-171A3, an advanced version of the Mi-17 originally made for offshore missions, but with several upgrades to suit both military and civilian needs.

What’s New in the Mi-80?

The Mi-80 isn’t just a copy of the old models. It brings several important improvements:

• Composite rotor blades that are lighter and stronger

• A crash-resistant fuel system moved beneath the cabin floor for better safety

• An X-shaped tail rotor that improves flight efficiency and handling

• Modern avionics for safer flying in bad weather, day or night

• A higher takeoff weight of up to 14 tons, making it more capable

• A stronger gearbox and reinforced fuselage to handle tougher missions

These changes are designed to make the helicopter more flexible for roles like troop transport, search and rescue, border patrol, or cargo delivery—not just for the Russian military, but for civil operators as well.

Aiming for One Standard, One Production Line

One of the biggest goals of the Mi-80 is to unify production. For decades, Kazan and Ulan-Ude have been rivals, producing different versions of the same helicopter. The Mi-80 is meant to end this divide, with both factories building the same model using the same parts. This could cut down on maintenance costs and make it easier to train pilots and technicians.

But it won’t be easy. The Mi-80 project is still in its early stages. So far, no major defense contract has been signed, and funding remains uncertain. The only related deal is for six Mi-171A3 helicopters, each costing over 1.1 billion rubles (around $12 million), which will be delivered by 2026.

Old Dreams, New Challenges

Interestingly, the idea behind the Mi-80 isn’t new. In the late 1990s, Russia tried something similar with a program called “Gaston,” which aimed to modernize its helicopters but failed due to lack of money and coordination. This time, the stakes are higher. With Western sanctions, rising military demands, and pressure to reduce reliance on foreign parts, Russia needs a unified, homegrown solution more than ever.

Still, there are challenges ahead. The Mi-171A3, which the Mi-80 is based on, faced criticism for being too heavy, expensive, and not having enough range for its offshore missions. If engineers don’t fix those issues, the Mi-80 could face the same fate.

If Russia can overcome the technical and financial hurdles, the Mi-80 could become the backbone of its helicopter fleet for the next few decades. It promises faster production, easier maintenance, and better performance, all while preserving jobs at both Kazan and Ulan-Ude factories.

But for now, it’s a plan on paper. The coming years will show whether the Mi-80 can live up to its promise—or become another missed opportunity in Russia’s long effort to modernize its helicopter industry.