Mi-17 V5 helicopters to be equipped with EW suites to boost survivability in hostile environments

In what comes as a boost to the operational survivability of the military helicopters in hostile environments, the defence ministry signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), 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.

The contract under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category is worth Rs 2,385.36 crore.

Ev suits boost the survivability of military platforms by leveraging the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, disrupt, or counter threats as they comprise of radar warning receiver, a missile approach warning system, and counter measure dispensing system. These are designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Centre for Airborne Systems and Integrated Defence Combat Systems (CASDIC).

ALSO READ: India's drone warfare, surveillance capabilities set for major upgrade as Paras Defence inks pact with Israeli firm

“This state-of-the-art EW Suite will considerably enhance operational survivability of the helicopters in hostile environment. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufactures,” the defence ministry said.

The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs.

“The Suite for 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,” the ministry further said.

The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

Defence