BENGALURU (Sputnik) — Russia has delivered a total of 121 Mi-17V-5 (NATO reporting name: Hip) military transport helicopters to India in the last five years and is ready to send more if needed, Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev told RIA Novosti.
"Under contractual obligations, 121 helicopters Mi-17V-5 were delivered to India in five years. India currently employs more than 300 Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters," Mikheev said on the sidelines of the Aero India 2015 international air show, adding that India is considering ordering more helicopters of this class.
"We are ready to send as many helicopters as needed," he added.
Mikheev also noted that the Mi-17V-5 has proved itself efficient in India's difficult climate conditions.
The Mi-17V-5 is the newest machine from Russia's Mi-8/17 helicopter family. Designed for the transportation of personnel, the vehicle can be used in search and rescue operations and be equipped with weapons.
