According to a report by ANI, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has shelved its deal with Russia to buy 48 Mi-17 V5 medium lifts helicopters. This move has come at times when the government is promoting ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector.
The deal was signed between India & Russia about 10 years ago for the procurement of 80 Mi-17 V5 helicopters. Amongst which these 48 were pending to be added to the IAF commend fleet. “It has been decided to close the deal. The decision was taken that the force would support the indigenous medium-lift helicopter programme,” a person familiar with the matter told ANI.
As per the report, the decision to suspend the deal was taken before the Russia-Ukraine war started, as to promote the indigenous technologies in the defence sector. Mi-17 V5 helicopters are one of the most important assets of IAF, they are used to maintain India’s position in the Himalayan ranges & are also used by the President & Prime Minister of the country.