India to purchase 71 more Mi-17V-5s

India plans to purchase 71 more Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopters, including 12 for the Interior Ministry, in addition to 80 ordered earlier, ITAR-TASS reports.

Indian Air Forces received the first shipment of Mi-17V-5s earlier. a contract on purchase of 80 helicopters for a total of $1.34 billion was signed in 2008. The contract will be fulfilled by 2014. 21 helicopters have been shipped, 6 more will arrive by the end of March.

Mi-17V-5 is a modernized version of Mi-17. It is used for cargo transport and airborne operations. The helicopter may provide fire support for ground troops, carry out air drops and evacuation. It is also equipped with a defense complex.