The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive 80 Mi 17-V5 medium-lift multirole helicopters along with spares and associated equipment worth $1.34bn from Rosoboronexport of Russia.

The IAF will use Mi-17-V5s for special heliborne operations, air-maintenance, transportation of troops and equipment, search and rescue, casualty evacuation and in armed helicopter roles.

The delivery of the helicopters is likely to commence by March 2011.

The IAF will receive the helicopters under a contract signed between the Indian Ministry of Defence and Rosoboronexport in December 2008.