India looks elsewhere for spares for Russian-built helicopters
India is being forced to turn to the private sector to keep its Mi-17V-5 helicopter fleet in the air. (Gordon Arthur)
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having knock-on effects on the upkeep of India's Russian-manufactured helicopter fleet.
Following years of indecision, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to outsource the repair and overhaul of 90 Mi-17V-5 helicopters to private industry.
An expression of interest was released to numerous civil third-party MRO providers to present their capability credentials. Visits to Chandigarh Base Repair Depot (BRD) in northern India, the largest helicopter maintenance facility for Russian-built helicopters, will start in early April, Shephard has learned.
A skilled maintenance force crunch and limited capacity at the BRD, escalated by the present crisis in Ukraine that squeezes stable supplies of spares and prevents helicopters from flying abroad for major maintenance,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
