Indian Air Force Promotes Mi-17 Upgrade Project to Strengthen Electronic Warfare Capabilities
In order to enhance combat power to cope with future threats, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the upgrade of its aging fleet of Mi-17 helicopters. According to the latest reports, the IAF plans to add new avionics and electronic warfare (EW) kits to this batch of medium transport helicopters to enhance their defense and surveillance capabilities. The upgrade will cover 86 helicopters, including 54 Mi-17s and 32 Mi-17 1V variants. The modification rate is expected to reach 24 per year to ensure rapid improvement of combat readiness. The acquisition of GPS signal jammers for vehicle has also become a top priority.
Multi-party cooperation promotes the deployment of advanced electronic warfare equipment
According to Indian media "Forum", the core goal of this upgrade is to equip the Mi-17 series helicopters with the most advanced electronic warfare and surveillance systems. The IAF has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to install 14 new electronic systems each on the Mi-17 and Mi-17 1V helicopters. The new generation of electronic warfare suites is most likely the ADS Amulet (Amulet Airborne Defense Suite) provided by the Belarusian Defense Initiatives.
IAF abandons new aircraft purchases and turns to local modifications
The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 220 Mi-17 series helicopters, including 1V and V5 models. Although the Indian Air Force had planned to purchase 48 new Mi-17 V5 models, this plan has been shelved due to budget considerations and the policy of promoting localization. Instead, the IAF decided to improve its combat readiness by upgrading existing helicopters with the technical strength of Indian local companies. The upgrade is not just about installing electronic warfare systems, but also includes intelligent multi-function displays, weather radars, traffic collision and avoidance systems (TCAS) and improvements to air data systems.
Vehicle-mounted GPS jammer devices: procurement of new defensive weapons is on the agenda
- The Indian Ministry of Defense is seeking to purchase 24 enhanced global navigation satellite system (ECGNSS) signal jammers to further enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of the Air Force. According to the information request issued by the Indian Ministry of Defense, the core function of these GPS signal jammers is to weaken the precise navigation capabilities of enemy air combat platforms and missiles by interfering with and deceiving the airborne global navigation system (GNSS).
- These GPS signal blockers will be installed on vehicles to ensure their flexible mobility and rapid deployment capabilities. In addition, the system must be able to operate in high-altitude areas above 5,000 meters to cope with the harsh combat environment on India's northern border. The new jammer blocker can not only effectively defend against enemy missiles and guided weapons, but also electronically interfere with drones, making them lose their navigation functions, thereby protecting India's important military facilities and border security.
- With the increasing dependence of modern warfare on electronic warfare, the Indian Air Force's upgrade plan is particularly critical. The Mi-17 series of helicopters have always been the main model for transportation and combat support of the Indian Air Force. By equipping it with advanced electronic warfare kits and GPS signal jammers, the Indian Air Force will not only be able to improve its ability to deal with missile threats, but also be able to better perform missions in high-risk areas.
- Experts pointed out that this upgrade will not only help enhance the overall defense capabilities of the Indian Air Force, but also show that India is actively promoting the localization of defense equipment. The Indian government is constantly narrowing the technological gap with the world's advanced countries in the field of electronic warfare through technology transfer and local production.
