The Indian Air Force (IAF) is enhancing its Mi-17 helicopter fleet through a ₹2,385 crore upgrade program, as confirmed by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This initiative will modernize the electronic warfare systems, improve avionics, and replace ageing main rotor blades, ensuring operational readiness amid evolving threats, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The IAF’s reliance on the Mi-17, evidenced by their deployment for recent flood relief operations, underscores the helicopters’ critical role in both military and humanitarian missions. By focusing on indigenous upgrades, the IAF aims to bolster its medium-lift capabilities, ensuring the fleet remains effective in high-altitude and contested operational environments.