India Searches for Engines for Mi-17 Helicopters
India is searching for a new engine supplier for their Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters due to problems with the supply chain. The Indian Army is struggling to maintain their Mi-17s, which are actively used and are essential for combat operations. Obtaining spare parts from the original manufacturer has become increasingly difficult.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced a critical shortage of VK-2500-03 engines and spare parts due to Russia’s preoccupation with the war in Ukraine. Less than 30% of Indian Mi-17s and modernized Mi-17V-5s are airworthy, which is a concerning situation.
Therefore, the Indian Army aims to purchase 25 VK-2500-03 engines from Indian-based manufacturers. Feasibility studies have already been initiated for this purpose. There is a need for technology transfer in the Indian defense industry sector to produce the VK-2500-03 engine.
India’s inventory of the Mi-17 helicopter includes nearly 230 helicopters in total in various configurations. They are mainly used for personnel and cargo transport.
The Mil Mi-17 or Mi-8MT (NATO: Hip-H) is a Utility Helicopter that has been in service since 1977 and has been produced in more than 12,000 units, used by over 50 countries. Turkey also procured Mi-17s in the 90s for various missions, but they encountered multiple issues, and there was a crisis with Russia over their modernization.
India’s search for a new engine supplier is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges they face in maintaining and operating their Mi-17 fleet.
