Russian Airborne Forces will receive a modification of the Mi-8 helicopter for transporting a buggy 
which will allow the buggy to be transported to the place of operation. This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to an article published in the magazine “Arsenal of the Fatherland.” a promising helicopter for the Airborne Forces. The vehicle will provide landing, evacuation of the wounded, fire support and transportation of the multifunctional combat reconnaissance buggy (BRB-M).
In September, the Ulyanovsk paratroopers tested the Sarmat-2 buggy during the Zapad-2021 strategic exercise. The vehicles were transported in the cargo hold of Mi-8AMTSh helicopters. Also, the paratroopers fired from the onboard weapons of the buggy. The Sarmat-2 can carry the Kord heavy machine gun or the AGS-17 Flame automatic grenade launcher.
In December 2020, RIA Novosti sources in the military-industrial complex reported that the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter successfully passed the tests. The new modification of the Mi-8 is considered as a universal vehicle for landing, assault and strike missions. The helicopter received additional protection for the cockpit and troop compartment, new VK-2500-03 engines and sighting and navigation equipment.