India seeks new source of engines for ageing Russian Mi-17 helicopters as supply chain problems hit
With Russian supply chains disrupted, the Indian Air Force is struggling to keep its Mi-17 fleet flying. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
India is struggling to keep Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters in the air, as spares prove difficult to source from the OEM.
Russia’s preoccupation with war in Ukraine has left the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing a critical requirement for VK-2500-03 engines and spares for its Mi-17V-5 helicopters. Shephard has learned that less than 30% of Mi-17s and upgraded V-5s are airworthy.
Two expressions of interest have now been released simultaneously. One was for procurement of 25 VK-2500-03s from Indian companies. This asked for technical and financial capability, infrastructure and experience to execute the project, and will involve ‘development of facilities, certification of airworthiness/OEM certification and delivery within strict timelines’.
A senior IAF official said transfer of technology or a licence from the
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Honeywell urges Pratt & Whitney to share F-35 engine data or risk costly maintenance and reduced reliability]()
Honeywell urges Pratt & Whitney to share F-35 engine data or risk costly maintenance and reduced reliability
'We're getting into a zone where [the engine and the cooling] are going to be out of phase with each other... which means you're going to have to take the [F-35] jet down twice for overhaul and replacement of systems,' Honeywell official tells Shephard.
-
![Can a new operational profile fix Canada's submarine problem?]()
Can a new operational profile fix Canada's submarine problem?
The four Victoria-class diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) are in the midst of an evolution into a new operations and maintenance regime. Shephard investigates whether this will solve the navy's recurring issues with having only one boat (or even none) operational for long periods.
-
![First US Air Force T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer poised to be delivered]()
First US Air Force T-7 Red Hawk jet trainer poised to be delivered
Boeing has completed crucial inspections of the T-7 Red Hawk, and five development aircraft are set to be delivered to the US Air Force, with hopes of completion by year-end. Despite setbacks, the programme is moving ahead, with further testing and detailed plans to replace the ageing T-38 Talon fleet.
-
![New and improved landing craft to boost amphibious ops for Dutch marines]()
New and improved landing craft to boost amphibious ops for Dutch marines
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) is embarking on the upgrade and replacement of its existing amphibious landing craft to provide new capabilities for long-range transport and marine assault.
-
![DSEI 2023: Forge decision tool to help develop British Army doctrine for new armoured vehicles]()
DSEI 2023: Forge decision tool to help develop British Army doctrine for new armoured vehicles
Hadean, ST Engineering Antycip and Cervus have announced a contract from the British Army for their Forge decision support tool for use at the Land Warfare Centre in a series of major experiments.
