Indian Air Force: Now engines for Mi-17V5 helicopters will be made in the country itself

Indian Air Force has marked yet another milestone towards self-reliance. The 3 Base Repair Depot (3BRD) located in Chandigarh has begun manufacturing the VK-2500-03 engine of the Mi-17V5 helicopter. This is an important step towards fostering the Air Force's indigenous manufacturing.

This milestone has been dedicated online by Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, the Air Force Maintenance Command Chief. This event also witnessed the inauguration of the Universal Test Bed online that has been set up at the Engine Test House of 3BRD.

These state-of-the-art testing centers will help in the testing and certification of various engine models including the VK-2500-03. Air Marshal Garg has designated this development the result of the Air Force's determination, hard work, and vision. He further added that this initiative will consolidate the Air Force's quest for self-reliance in the area of aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

The production of the VK-2500-03 engine is part of the offset agreement between India and Russia between JSC Rosoboronexport and the Indian Air Force. The first repair and overhauling of this engine has also been successfully completed at 3BRD, Chandigarh, which is an important sign towards indigenous production.

The Universal Test Bed has been developed by the Aero Engine Research and Development Center of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Bengaluru. This is an important step towards making the Air Force completely self-reliant.

This test bed is fully ready for testing and certification of TVV3-117MT, TVV3-117VM, TVV3-117V, and VK-2500-03 engines. This achievement will prove to be a major milestone towards the technical capability and self-reliance of the Indian Air Force.