Over 120 new helicopters will be delivered to Russian armed forces this year, RIA Novosti reports with reference to representative of the press-service of Russian Ministry of Defense on Air Forces, Colonel Igor Klimov.

Army Air Forces of Russia celebrated its 66th anniversary on October 28th 2014. The first air squadron operating helicopters was established on October 28th 1948; the unit laid foundation for the Army Air Forces as an independent branch of aviation.

"Over 120 new helicopters will be delivered to the military units this year. Over 50 helicopters will be delivered to Army Air Forces from aircraft repair plants of the military-industrial sector", — Klimov said.

He explained that the Army Air Forces are operating one of the world’s best helicopters: Mi-24, Mi-26, Mi-28N "Night Hunter", Mi-8, Mi-35M, Ka-52 "Alligator" and Ka-226. Deliveries of new and upgraded helicopters (Ansat, Mi-8AMTSh and Mu-8MTV-5) to military units are in progress.

Initially the Helicopter Aviation was called Utility Aviation (Auxiliary Aviation) – it was responsible for cargo transportation, fire adjustment, reconnaissance and assuring stable communication during combat. As helicopters developed they became a stand-alone vehicles able to provide air support.

In the course of the history of Army Air Forces the crews successfully carried out missions in many flash points located in Russia and other countries. In times of peace the crews of Army Air Forces take part in training of the army and assault forces, participate in peacekeeping operations.