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NEW DELHI — The Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin inducting Russian-made medium-lift Mi-17V5 helicopters Feb. 17, according to an Indian Defence Ministry release.
“Mi-17 V5, an upgrade of Mi-17 in the medium-lift category, is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and onboard navigation systems. It is a glass cockpit variant; the first of its kind to get inducted into the IAF. It has onboard weather radar, state of the art autopilot and is compatible with the latest generation (Gen-III) night-vision goggles. With this, the helicopter can undertake all-weather, day-and-night operations in any kind of terrain. The helicopter is also equipped with a Bambi-Bucket that can be used for firefighting,” according to the release.
Nearly 60 percent of the Indian Air Force’s fleet of 800 helicopters are Russian-made, inducted between 1971 and 2003. These include the medium-lift (Mi-8, Mi-17) helicopters, with a payload-carrying capacity of 4 tons, and used for transportation and logistics support.
The other variant is heavy-lift Mi-26 helicopters, which have a payload capacity of 20 tons and are used for heavy-lift logistics and maintenance.
The Russian Mi series also includes attack helicopters designated Mi-25 and Mi-35, which are intended for anti-tank, offensive air operations.
The main concern of the Indian military is replacing light utility helicopters. Estimates say that nearly 78 percent of the helicopters in this category, which include Cheetah, Chetak and Mi series of helicopters, have already completed their prescribed life.
The Defence Ministry is currently purchasing 384 light utility helicopters for both the Army and Air Force to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
“Induction of Mi-17 V5 will enhance the capabilities of the IAF manifold in undertaking varied roles to face the challenges thrown in by unforgiving weather, hostile environment and difficult terrain in India,” says the release.
