Russian Arms Exporter Finalizing Delivery of 71 Mi-17 Helicopters to India

The deputy head of Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport Sergei Goreslavsky said that Rosoboronexport plans on finishing deliveries of 71 Mi-17V-5 (Hip) transport helicopters to India by the end of 2015.

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) – Russia and India will finalize the delivery of 71 Mi-17V-5 (Hip) transport helicopters by the end of 2015 and are currently discussing further deliveries, the deputy head of Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Tuesday.

"We plan on finishing deliveries by the end of the year. Moreover, we are discussing the possibility with our Indian partners of striking a deal on the purchase of yet another shipment of Mi-17V-5 helicopters," Sergei Goreslavsky told RIA Novosti in an interview ahead of the Aero India-2015 exposition in Bangalore, India, that will open on February 18.

Russia and India signed a contract in 2008 on the delivery of 80 Mi-17V-5 helicopters. In 2012, an option was concluded on the delivery of 71 helicopters.

The Mi-17V-5s are produced by the Russian Helicopters company. They are designed for carrying personnel and cargoes, and can be used in search-and-rescue operations or converted to armed gunships.

According to the Rosoboronexport deputy head, Russia is also ready to supply India with Kamov Ka-31 (Helix) helicopters to be used on the Vikrant-class aircraft carriers. The Indian military has experience of flying earlier modifications of Ka-31s.

Russian aircraft-makers and Indian officials are now expected to meet in Bangalore during the 10th edition of Aero India 2015 defense and civil aviation expo, to be held on February 18-22.