Border force revives chopper fleet used for rescue operations and transportation of troops

Russian Helicopters, a part of Russia’s Rostec State Corporation, has delivered six Mi-17-1V helicopters to India’s Border Security Force after a major overhaul, the company said in a statement.

An overhaul performed at Novosibirsk Aircraft Repair Plant (NARP) not only include repairs or change of engine, but also avionics and hydraulics.

“While the Novosibirsk has been regularly performing overhaul for Mi-8/17 type helicopters for the wide range of foreign operators, this was the first contract with India’s BSF,” Igor Chechikov, Deputy Director General for After-Sales Support Services, Russian Helicopters, said.

Rescue Works

“The plant has been highly praised by the Indian military specialists and now further co-operation is being discussed,” he added.

However, Russian Helicopters refused to comment on the commercials of the deal.

The Indian Air Force currently have four squadrons of Mi-171V helicopters, each having 12 machines, many of which being grounded upon reaching the overhaul stage.

Built by Kazan Helicopters, Mi-171V choppers are used primarily for disaster rescue operations and transportation of troops to remote areas.

Overhaul Facility

According to sources close to the deal, India has been in discussions with Russia over creating a facility for overhauling the helicopters in India. But, no concrete proposals have been discussed.

The Russian manufacturer, in turn, has lately been exploring opportunities of creating after-sales service infrastructure in India, including options to partner with Indian defence PSUs and even private sector companies for such services.

“We will pay special attention to the issues of after-sales service, repair and modernisation of previously supplied equipment to India, and we are preparing to sign several agreements on this,” Anderey Boginsky, Managing Director of Russian Helicopters, said in April this year.