OREANDA-NEWS. Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, will showcase its latest helicopters at International Defence Exhibition & Seminar (IDEAS 2014) in Karachi on 1-4 December. On display in collaboration with Rosoboronexport - the company's partner for exports of military aircraft - will be the Mi-171E and Mi-17V-5 transports, as well as the Mi-35M transport and combat helicopter.

The Mi-171E and Mi-17V-5 are designed to carry personnel and cargo, and can fly a range of missions to supply and evacuate troops. The medium multirole Mi-171E is the principal transport helicopter of the Pakistani Armed Forces. Mi-8/17-series helicopters are widely used across South Asia, and are often an indispensable means of transport and form the core of military helicopter fleets.

In October 2014 Russia completed deliveries of 63 Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to the Afghan National Army under a Rosoboronexport contract. The Mi-17V-5 is produced by Kazan Helicopters, a Russian Helicopters company, and has repeatedly demonstrated its abilities in adverse climatic conditions in Afghanistan's mountain regions.

Earlier in 2014 another large Rosoboronexport contract was fulfilled with the delivery to China of 52 Mi-171E helicopters built by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, another Russian Helicopters company. The Mi-171E operates successfully in China, and is widely used in regions with challenging terrain and harsh climates to transport medical supplies, humanitarian aid and construction materials.

The Mi-35M transport and combat helicopter was developed from the legendary Mi-24 and uses the latest systems and technologies. It is designed to destroy enemy armoured vehicles, provide supporting firepower for ground troops, drop parachute troops, evacuate wounded personnel, and transport goods inside the cabin and on an external sling. The aircraft combines rich military operational experience with the latest developments in helicopter-building, and is in service with the armed forces of Russia, Brazil, Azerbaijan and other countries.

South Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for helicopters worldwide. At IDEAS 2014 Russian Helicopters will present its latest models to companies from the region, and provide briefings on post-service support and maintenance for Russian-built helicopters.

IDEAS 2014 is one of the largest defence exhibitions in the region. It takes place every two years and brings together a large number of participants from around the world. The exhibition was first held in 2000.