Mi-8AMTSh helicopters (export designation Mi-171Sh) are designed to transport personnel, as well as various cargo inside the cabin and on an external sling. They can be used, among other things, for rescue operations, and also carry various weapons.

The unofficial name of this machine is Terminator, under this designation the helicopter was demonstrated in 1999 in Great Britain at the Farnborough Air Show. The helicopter was accepted into service by the Russian Air Force in 2009.