Turf war intensifies over Mi-17s
RotorHub Neelam Mathews Apr 10, 2015 The first two of eight medium lift Mi-17 V5 helicopters were inducted by the Indian homeland Border Security Force (BSF) Air Wing inducted on 9 April. However five of six earlier Mi-17 IVs bought in 2003 remain festering in a hangar for lack of spares and training as a result of a turf war between the BSF and Indian Air Force (IAF). With a maximum takeoff weight of 13000kg the new V5 aircraft will provide a boost to the starved capability of the force that operates in arduous and inhospitable conditions of rebel-invested areas and on India’s vast northeast, west and eastern borders. However, the buy has brought in a reminder of the acrimony between services and which assumes responsibility for the helicopters. (Pixs by Neelam Mathews (Copyright)) Deliveries will be completed by the end of the year and BSF Direct...