New Russian helicopters inducted in IAF

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has formally inducted its latest aerial weapon, the Russian MI-17 V5 helicopter.

Eighty machines will join the IAF by 2014 which cost more than $1.34 billion. The MI-17 V5 is one among very few attack helicopters that work even in Siachen, the world's highest battlefield.

Thanks to radar, autopilot and night vision goggles, it also works at night. It can fly 36 fully armed soldiers halfway across India without refuelling.

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne says the new bird could add teeth to India's special operations capabilities.