India goes ahead with purchase of 48 Russian Mi17-V5 choppers

After being briefed about the progress made by the negotiations committee, the Defense Acquisition Council cleared the way for a deal to purchase four squadrons, or 48 Mi17-V5 (NATO reporting name Hip) choppers from Russia with a total cost of 6,966 crore rupees ($1.1 billion), according to the sources.

The Mi-17V-5 helicopter is the latest model in Russia's Mi-8/17 helicopter family. It is designed for personnel transportation, as well as for carrying cargo internally or on its external sling. They can be used in search and rescue operations, and can also be equipped with weapons.

In July, local media reported that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had proposed to acquire 48 additional Mi-17V-5, as they had proven to be efficient in India’s often difficult terrain and climatic conditions.

In 2008, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport struck a deal to deliver 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters to India. The agreement was implemented before the end of 2013. In 2012-2013, the sides added three supplements to the initial agreement to deliver 71 additional helicopters before the end of 2015.

Mi-17s have been used in India since the government canceled an order for Italian choppers amid corruption scandals involving Italian businessmen and their Indian intermediaries.

First published by Sputnik.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.