India receives first batch of upgraded Mi-17 helicopters from Russia

This is the first augmentation in the IAF helicopter fleet since Operation Vijay in Kargil. “Our task had doubled post-Kargil delivering supplies to troops whose numbers went up almost three times since the operation. But our resources were static. This is the first induction in terms of resources and we were eagerly looking forward to it,” an official said.

The IAF will have two squadrons of the helicopters in Kargil and Siachen sectors by the end of 2001. The helicopters will give a decisive edge to the IAF once they are armed with 12 VikhrM (AT-16) medium range air to surface missiles with capabilities to destroy ground based threats.

“The strike power of the IAF in high-altitude operations will get a tremendous boost with the laser-guided weapons with a capability of destroying targets within a range of 10 kilometers,” sources said.

The design modifications, include an enlarged side door for quick embarkation and capabilities of carrying up to four tonnes of load. Four helicopters have been delivered in the first batch and have been assigned to the Western Air Command (WAC).

The $170 million deal for the 40 helicopters was signed earlier this year (May 2000) between the Ministry of Defence and the Aviaexport of the Russian Federation. “Our engagement will only increase both in Siachen and in the Kargil-Batalik sectors. Servicing and maintenance of existing fleet was posing a problem with additional tasks. Now with new helicopters made operational in Siachen and Kargil, servicing and maintenance of the existing fleet will be easier,” sources said.