As of 2011 the Indian Air Force operates over 200 Mi-8/17 type medium rotorcraft of Russian make.

The helicopters being delivered are manufactured to the customer's specification and are unique in their configuration. Each helicopter is equipped with a KNEI-8 avionics suite. It replaced a number of systems indicators, resulting in a very clear and intuitive cockpit with four large multi-functional displays that are easy to read and help reduce pilot fatigue. This avionics suite also helps cut down pre-flight inspection time, displaying all systems data and alerting crew when necessary.

The helicopters have been delivered under the contract signed by Rosoboronexport, JSC in December 2008 during the visit to India of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Kazan Helicopters and Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, also a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters, have both delivered over 11 thousand rotorcraft of the Mi-8/17 family to 110 countries worldwide. In 1997 the company received certification for helicopter design and engineering: the light twin-engine Ansat is currently in production.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It controls the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company named after N.I. Sazykin, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company.

Partners of Russian Helicopters include AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components and reductors).