Russian Helicopters’ Exports Down 19 Per Cent in 2020

Russian Helicopters, one of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturers, exported 39 military helicopters in 2020, a figure down 19% compared to the previous year.

According to the company’s annual report released on Tuesday, "Thirty-nine helicopters were exported to foreign markets in 2020. The deviation from the forecasted figures was 19%," the report said as reported in the Russian media.

The report stresses that the decline stems from the ‘changes in the structure’ of exports. Postponement of sales due to delays in receiving foreign-made components because of the coronavirus lockdowns are among reasons listed.

Nevertheless, there are plans to increase the export of military helicopters in 2021. "The export of military rotorcraft is expected to go up by 30% in 2021," the report says.

Editorial comment:

The imposition of U.S. economic sanctions on Russian military equipment manufacturers has led to loss of  business in its traditional markets as customers often dont wish to bypass US dollar based payments. In addition, The threat of secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian equipment has also led to change of heart amongst its traditional customers.

Several new projects such as the KA-226T manufacturing in India is yet to take off. Repairs and servicing of older Soviet-era helicopters is being grabbed by Ukrainian enterprises as they offer lower prices and often cite ease of making payments as part of their sales pitch.