Media discussions have appeared concerning the alleged re-export of PBS Velka Bites products (known as APUs) to the Russian Federation. These discussions have included deliberately false information, suggesting the irreplaceability of units from the Czech company PBS Velka Bites for Mil helicopters. Here, we present factual responses to clearly refute the alleged findings.

The manufacturer of the Russian helicopters of the Mi-8/17/171 series does not require auxiliary power units (APUs) from the production of PBS Velka Bites at all, because Russia has its own producer, Aerosila. This manufacturing company has a longstanding tradition of producing their own APUs for helicopters, specifically designed for the TA14 type. The reason why article’s author presents completely opposite claims is unclear to us.

Russian APUs have consistently been available on the market for an extended period, while efforts to prevent the export of Czech APUs, for instance to India or Vietnam, are evident through this media attack. Media reports have been highlighting the potential shift of India and Vietnam away from Russian technology for a year now.

Russian websites also provide information about the use of the specific APU type TA14 from the manufacturer Aerosila. Therefore, we present several examples with references and translated passages confirming the domestic Russian production of APUs for Mil helicopters.