MoD signs Rs 2K-cr pact to upgrade Mi-17 V5 copters

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 2,385-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, to upgrade the electronic warfare (EW) suites on Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF operates 151 Mi-17 V5 helicopters, acquired from Russia in phases between 2008 and 2013. These helicopters are heavily used in Himalayan operations.

The MoD stated on Monday that the contract includes the acquisition of EW suites, aircraft modification kits and associated equipment, along with their installation on the Mi-17 V5 fleet.

The state-of-the-art EW suites are expected to significantly enhance the helicopters’ survivability in hostile environments during conflict. Most sub-assemblies and components will be sourced from Indian manufacturers.

Calling the project a “significant leap” in building indigenous EW capabilities, the MoD said it aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. It will also boost participation from Indian electronics and allied industries, including MSMEs.

The contract falls under the ‘Buy’ (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category of the defence acquisition procedure. It was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Mi-17 V5 has a maximum speed of 250 km/h, a cruise speed of 230 km/h, a service ceiling of 6,000 m and a range of 675 km with its main fuel tanks.