OREANDA-NEWS Russia is completely eliminating the need for helicopters on its own, said Anton Alikhanov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

"In terms of helicopters, probably... we are completely covering our needs," the minister said in an interview with Rossiya 24.

Earlier, the head of the department said that the Russian Mi-171A 3 helicopter, as well as domestic Il-114 and Il-76 aircraft, could potentially become the export pride of Russia.