On April 07, 2025. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru, for the acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits as well as their installation on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force at an overall cost of Rs 2,385.36 crore. The contract, under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
This state-of-the-art EW Suite will considerably enhance the operational survivability of the helicopters in a hostile environment. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. The Suite for the Mi-17 V5 is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous EW capabilities, making the country Aatmanirbhar in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative.
A key highlight of this project is its emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. The majority of the sub-assemblies and components for the EW Suite will be sourced from Indian manufacturers, fostering growth in the domestic electronics and defense industries. This initiative is expected to create a ripple effect, encouraging active participation from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening the nation’s industrial ecosystem.
The Mi-17 V5 helicopters, known for their versatility and robustness, serve as a critical asset for the Indian Air Force, supporting a range of missions from troop transport to disaster relief. Equipping them with this advanced EW Suite represents a leap forward in India’s quest to develop homegrown defence technologies, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while bolstering national security.
