Myanmar has officially become the first nation outside Russia to operate the Mi-38, marking a major milestone in the development of one of Russia’s most ambitious medium-lift helicopter platforms.
The delivery of three units—two Mi-38T transport variants and one VIP configuration—in early November during a ceremony in Naypyidaw serves as the helicopter’s international debut. For years, the Mi-38 has been promoted as the successor to the renowned Mi-8/Mi-17 family.
A New-Generation Helicopter to Replace the Mi-8/Mi-17
The Mi-38 was developed as Russia’s answer to the demand for a modern transport helicopter that surpasses the performance of the Mi-8/Mi-17 series, which has been in service for more than half a century.
With a more powerful, efficient design and greater payload capacity, the Mi-38 is positioned as the future backbone of Russia’s medium-transport fleet—both military and civilian.
The platform offers a maximum speed of around 300 km/h, the ability to carry up to 6 tons of internal or external cargo, and seating for 30 passengers. In high-density configurations, its 29.5-cubic-meter cabin can even accommodate up to 40 troops.
Technical Specifications and Operational Advantages
The Mi-38T is powered by two Klimov TV7-117V engines, each producing approximately 2,800 hp. This combination delivers strong performance in “hot and high” conditions, hot climates and high-altitude regions, among the most demanding environments for transport helicopters.
Key capabilities of the Mi-38T include:
- Maximum speed: ~300 km/h
- Cruise speed: 250–275 km/h
- Range: 880 km (standard internal tanks), up to 1,300 km (with auxiliary fuel)
- Payload capacity: 6,000 kg internal, up to 7,000 kg external
- Service ceiling: 6,300 meters
The helicopter measures about 20 meters in length and features a six-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor, offering enhanced stability during heavy operations. Its spacious cabin supports flexible configurations for troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, and VIP roles.
Modern Cabin and Digital Avionics
One of the major upgrades the Mi-38 offers over its predecessors is its fully digital glass cockpit. Its integrated avionics suite, featuring multi-function displays, night-flight management systems, modern communications, and 24-hour operational capability, greatly enhances crew situational awareness.
The Mi-38T also supports optional equipment such as ballistic protection (armor plating), de-icing systems, SAR equipment and mission modules, and customized VIP “Salon” interiors. These modernizations provide crucial advantages for long-range missions, rapid mobility, and operations in harsh or extreme environments.
A Long Development Journey Since the 1980s
Although it appears to be a new platform, the Mi-38 has a development history that dates back to the late 1980s. At the time, Russia sought a modern, efficient transport helicopter capable of meeting 21st-century operational demands.
The project was initially envisioned as a collaboration with Eurocopter to incorporate Western technology. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent geopolitical shifts pushed the program to continue unilaterally.
The first prototype flew in 2003, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, before the entire program transitioned to the domestic TV7-117V engines due to tightening Western sanctions after 2014. The military variant, Mi-38T, was introduced in 2017 and received military certification in 2018.
To date, Russia has built four prototypes and 12 production units since 2019, including ultra-premium versions ordered by Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. Now, Myanmar has become the first foreign operator to receive and deploy the helicopter.
Mi-38T: A Strategic Position in the Medium-Lift Class
The Mi-38T is positioned between the Mi-17 and the heavy-lift Mi-26. It offers significantly greater payload capacity than the Mi-17 while maintaining far lower operating costs than the Mi-26, making it a strategic “bridge” in Russia’s air-mobility capability.
Compared to Western helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-92 or Leonardo AW101, the Mi-38T provides competitive lift performance at a much lower unit cost, estimated at under USD 25 million. This makes it an attractive option for countries facing budget constraints or procurement barriers due to geopolitical conditions.
Finally Taking Flight in Its First Foreign Operator
With the delivery of three Mi-38s to Myanmar, the helicopter is being operated for the first time outside Russia—after decades of development, technical refinement, and delayed contracts.
The helicopter’s international debut in Myanmar not only demonstrates the Mi-38’s operational readiness but also highlights its potential to expand into the global medium-lift helicopter market.
Read also: Myanmar Becomes the 1st Foreign Country to Operate Russia’s Mi-38 Helicopter
