IAF to buy 24 helicopters for VVIP transport, current Russian fleet to be replaced

The Indian Air Force is planning to buy 24 special utility helicopters for VVIP transport, including the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. The estimated ₹10,000-crore project, with Airbus and US' Lockheed Martin as main contenders, aims to replace the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 fleet. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted in-principle approval to proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore.