Article Posted on : - Dec 15, 2010

A file photo of Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopte.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive 80 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters and spare parts and associated equipments from Russia by March 2011.

In 2008, Indian Foreign Ministry had signed a contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport state arms exporter for the 80 Russian Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters.

According to Indian MoD release, the value of the contract is expected to exceed $1.345 billion.

"The Mi-17-V5 helicopters will be utilised for Special Heliborne Operations, air-maintenance, transportation of troops and equipment, search and rescue, casualty evacuation and in armed helicopter roles,” Defence Minister Shri AK Antony said in reply to a query in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.