India Gets New Mi-17V-5 Helicopter Repair, Overhaul Facility

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inaugurated a new repair and overhaul facility for its Mi-17V-5 helicopters in the North Indian city of Chandigarh on Wednesday.

"The new infrastructural facility at Chandigarh unit would help repair Mi-17V-5 helicopter airframes and their aero engines," Air Marshall RKS Shera said.

In 2008, Rosoboronexport signed a contract for the delivery of 80 Mi-17V-5 to India, which was completed in 2011-2013. In 2012-2013, three additional supplies had been signed to supply a total of 71 Mi-17V-5 helicopters. Deliveries of the aircraft were completed in July last year. According to various reports, India is also planning to sign another contract with Russia for 80 additional Mi-17V-5 helicopters.

The Russian made Mi-17 V5 helicopters have a Medium Heli-lift capability in terms of the avionics, weapon systems as well as its hot and high altitude performance.

The IAF operates them for commando assault tasks, ferrying supplies and personnel to remote mountain helipads, carrying out Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations and logistic support tasks in the island territories and Siachen Glacier.