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.
