January 30, 2011: Hungary is expanding and upgrading its helicopter fleet by buying two used Mi-8s from Finland (which is getting Western helicopters), and upgrading seven of their own Mi-17s. While most NATO members use Western helicopters, nine member nations are satisfied with their Russian helicopters and are instead cooperating in upgrading their Russian Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters, so they will meet NATO requirements. This will make it possible for these nations to use these helicopters in places like Afghanistan, where there is a growing need for that type of rugged helicopter. These aircraft are also in demand for all peacekeeping operations, and the Russian aircraft have proven themselves quite capable of meeting the demand.

The Mi-17 is the export version of the Russian Mi-8, a twin-engine helicopter, roughly equivalent to the U.S. UH-1. But the Mi-8/17 is still in production and is the most widely exported (2,800 out of 12,000 made) helicopter on the planet. The Mi-8 is about twice the size and weight of the UH-1, but only hauls about 50 percent more cargo. However, the Mi-8 has a larger interior, and can carry 24 troops, versus a dozen in the UH-1. The UH-1 was replaced by the UH-60 in the 1980s, while the Mi-8 just kept adding better engines and electronics to the basic Mi-8 frame. But the UH-60, while weighing twice as much as the UH-1 (4.8 tons), could carry as much as the 12 ton Mi-8. But the Mi-8 costs about half as much as a UH-60, and the larger interior is popular with many users. Russia also offers lower rates for training pilots and mechanics.