Rostec has transferred to India a final batch of three helicopters as part of a contract to supply 151 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters through Rosoboronexport.

In the near future, the Indian Air Force plans to order an additional 48 Mi-17V-5 helicopters for flights in various conditions, as well as in both deserts and mountains.

“India is one of the key markets for Russian Helicopters and the largest operator of Russian helicopters in South Asia. Currently, more than 400 of our helicopters are in operation in India, and they have already proven their worth. We manufacture high-tech, multipurpose helicopters that are able to solve the most difficult challenges anywhere in the world,” said Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russian Helicopters, which is part of Rostec.

In December 2015, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on the organization of production of at least 200 light multipurpose Russian Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two parties launched the project in January 2016. The agreement also provides for the servicing, operation, repair, maintenance, and technical support for the aircraft.

As a country, India is one the largest operators of Russian equipment. In the entire history of cooperation, Russian Helicopters has delivered to India 110 Mi-4, 128 Mi-8 and about 160 Mi-17 helicopters. In 2008, Rosoboronexport signed a contract for the delivery to India of 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters and their related equipment, which was carried out from 2011-2013. In 2012-2013, three additional deliveries were agreed upon to supply Mi-17V-5 helicopters for the needs of the Indian Air Force, the Interior Ministry, and the Secretariat of the President.