Russian Helicopters Holding: Ukrainian Military Intelligence Identifies Helicopter Manufacturers Still Outside Sanctions

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has released data on Russian companies that produce and service Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters. Restricting their activities through sanctions could help reduce Russia’s offensive capabilities and weaken its forces. This information was published on February 24 on the War&Sanctions portal.

Four years ago, Russian helicopters attempted to break into Hostomel to establish control for an offensive on Kyiv. Thanks to the rapid actions of Ukrainian special units and the National Guard, the enemy’s plan was thwarted at the very start of the operation.

Fourteen of the disclosed companies have not yet been sanctioned by any country. Among them:

• JSC VR-SERVICE – a service company performing major repairs and modernization of Mi and Ka helicopters;
  LLC VR Foundry Production – manufactures magnesium castings for the holding’s enterprises;
• Ulan-Ude Blade Plant – produces blades for Mi-series helicopters.

The Ukrainian intelligence emphasized that restrictions should also cover the civilian helicopter industry due to the high compatibility between “civilian” and “military” versions of various helicopter models, including the Mi-8, the most widely used helicopter in the Russian Armed Forces.