Pakistan's new MI-17

[HasanG20]

[Solid Beast]

It's great to see rugged Russian origin equipment in Pakistan. Here's to seeing Russian attack choppers soon...I have a feeling Russian markets will open up more to Pakistan in the coming years depending on certain factors. US equipment should be left behind, there should be a huge project and push in all branches to find the best possible solutions without involving political and military consequences. However, reverse engineering and learning from their quality components is essential, though it seems we have only learned the very basics so far.

[Interceptor]

I have heard that these helos Mi-17 are most disliked by PA, instead the PA would have preferred huey's UH1's more. But they were denied those instead they had to go for MI-17, whats your take on this?

[Solid Beast]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

I have heard that these helos Mi-17 are most disliked by PA, instead the PA would have preferred huey's UH1's more. But they were denied those instead they had to go for MI-17, whats your take on this?

Well there have been a build up of incidents involving crashes of this specific helicopter due to technical faults where dozens have died. I don't think it is because the Mi17 is inherently inferior to the UH-1 but because the source of these aircraft, their condition and any potential tampering must be fully investigated. I'm not sure if the Mi17 that crashed recently were the ones handed over for by the US, but very shortly after being handed over 4 Mi17 as a signal to rush our army into action, 1 crashed in Orakzai region which killed about 30 soldiers if not more. Foul play? Probably not, the condition of these birds are probably not ideal. However Pakistan is going to be receiving fairly new Mi17 which I think will work out great. UH-60 would have been the choice for the army I don't think they are interested in old Hueys and Iroquois.

[Solid Beast]

Army Aviation wing needs to wake up and start production capability for choppers so that reliance on spare parts and outsourcing everything except dying and fighting in the bird does not exhibit any vision whatsoever. Licensed production such as what China is doing with the Mi17 from Russia is a vital necessity to kick start future independent helicopter development. The problem is this would cost F-16 type money and the only things that receive that much attention is nuclear sector and Air Force. Army is surprisingly outdated and excessively reliant on foreign procurement overall compared to the Navy and Air Force.