First lot of Russian Mi-17 V5 copters reach 3 BRD

Being the largest air force repair depot in the country,the remaining lot of 76 vehicles is also expected to be assembled here. As the deploying of these new choppers is expected to be chosen after taking into account the neighboring countries-China and Pakistan,a significant number of these helicopters is expected to be inducted at the Chandigarh air base. At present,the base has a fleet of AN-32,IL-76,Mi-8 and Mi-17 aircraft.

Confirming the procurement,3BRD Air Officer Commanding (AOC)Air Commodore Suresh Singh said,“Received in partially dismounted condition,these are being assembled by a team of Russian experts. This is an upgraded and versatile version of existing Mi-17 helicopter,and has a seating capacity of 16 it is expected to drop 25 troops in one go.”

The armed forces have been operating Mi-17 helicopters for a long time in conditions of high-altitude areas like Ladakh,Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Apart from regular sorties,these are put into operations,intended for special missions like transporting of vehicles and troops,search and rescue operations,evacuation,disaster relief and emergency works.

Air Commodore Kumar further added that the Mi-17 V5 helicopters would also be put to special operations including transportation of troops and equipment,search and rescue and evacuation operations.