In a First, IAF Seeks Complete Overhaul of Mi-17 V5 Helicopter Engines by Private Sector; 50 Engines Slated for Initial Project

In a pioneering move for India's aerospace sector, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is outsourcing the repair and overhaul of its Mi-17 V5 helicopter engines to the private industry. This initiative not only addresses the IAF's maintenance needs but also provides a significant boost to the domestic aerospace industry.

Air Headquarters has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking bids from Indian firms for the overhaul of 50 aero engines. A key stipulation is that the engines must be overhauled within India, prohibiting them from being sent overseas. This condition underscores the IAF's commitment to fostering indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector.

The project is being overseen by No. 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Chandigarh, responsible for maintaining Russian-origin helicopters in the IAF's inventory. While the BRD has been overhauling Mi-17 and Mi-25/35 helicopters and their components, its capacity is limited relative to the IAF's extensive fleet.

This marks the first time the IAF has outsourced the overhaul of complete engines to the private sector. While Indian firms have been involved in indigenizing aircraft spare parts and components for many years, this move signifies a significant step towards greater self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and a deepening of public-private partnerships in the defence sector.

The IAF operates three variants of the Mi-17 helicopter, including the latest Mi-17 V5, which forms the backbone of its medium-lift rotary wing fleet. With over 220 Mi-17 helicopters in service, the IAF requires robust maintenance capabilities to ensure operational readiness. These helicopters play a crucial role in various tactical missions, including troop transport, assault, supply delivery, special operations, search and rescue, and disaster management.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Obvious choice, the IAF is frustrated now with HAL and DRDO, and have to take control if they have to survive, defend and win

We are now entering the phase where we are switching from expensive foreign OEMs to our own private sector

would surely be better than the PSUs and cheaper than the OEM

 

[Sandeep]

This was always going to happen eventually as the MRO facilities and their capacity are way below the actual capacity we need to have. Without spending huge amounts on expanding and creating more infrastructure and capacity at the facility then it’s best to use the private sector’s facility and we just pay them for the MRO of the engines or whatever work that needs doing. Also we can’t allow the backlog to grow as that will ground our fleet and we need to keep our military operationally ready.

 

[GMR]

A step in right direction.. will help defence forces to focus on their core jobs & save money in infra building & cut back on non-combat manpower