Egypt to Host Certification for Russian Helicopter Service Center in 2019
Russian Helicopters Holding Company, a prominent entity under Rostec State Corporation, is finalizing the establishment of a state-of-the-art maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center dedicated to the Mi-8/17 helicopters. Situated at the Helwan Factory for Developed Industries (HFDI) in Egypt, this center is poised for certification in 2019.
In its initial phase, the center will focus on maintenance and overhaul services for Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V helicopters currently utilized by the Egyptian Air Force (EAF). Future expansions will aim to include the Mi-17V-5 variant.
Between 2015 and 2018, the Holding Company equipped HFDI with the necessary machinery and conducted extensive personnel training through the Aviation Training Center of Novosibirsk Aircraft Repair Plant. Following an assessment, the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant confirmed the MRO center’s capability to undertake helicopter overhauls.
“A primary goal of JSC ‘Russian Helicopters’ is to develop an efficient after-sales support system, ensuring exceptional service throughout the lifecycle of Russian-made rotorcraft. Our commitment is to expand our global network of authorized service centers. Over the last three years, our collaboration with HFDI has facilitated the impressive development of this MRO center. The Egyptian team is already in the process of conducting a pilot overhaul for the Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V models, which will pave the way for the official certification of the center,” stated Igor Chechikov, Deputy Director General for After-Sales Support at JSC “Russian Helicopters”.
“Egypt has long been a vital partner for Rostec, with cooperation spanning multiple sectors. The helicopter industry and the after-sales service for aircraft represent one of our key areas of collaboration,” remarked Viktor Kladov, Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy at Rostec. “The certification of the helicopter service center in Egypt not only enhances our partnership but also opens new avenues for working with local stakeholders.”
The Mi-8/17 helicopters, developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant—part of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company—are globally recognized for their reliability and low maintenance needs. Their versatility allows for medical evacuation, humanitarian efforts, and transport of cargo and passengers, including VIPs. The military-transport configurations of these helicopters facilitate the movement of personnel and goods, while also serving critical roles in patrol, search-and-rescue operations, and combat situations against insurgent groups.
