Indian Air Force issues tender for indigenous Mi-17 avionics upgrade
What happened
The Indian Air Force issued a new tender on October 22, 2026, seeking to procure a Primary Information Sensor Unit, search and landing light, and gyro horizon for the Mi-17V5T helicopter. The tender aims to upgrade and replace three avionics items to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Bids must be submitted by December 17, 2026, with an estimated EMD of ₹5 crore and a project duration of 730 days.
From idrw.org
Why it matters
The procurement is part of an effort to enhance indigenous defense capabilities, as the items were previously included in an uncompleted 2024 procurement. The complexity of avionics integration and the need for reliable function are acknowledged challenges in the process.
The Indian Air Force has taken on the responsibility of managing operations at Pune airport.
From idrw.org
Who's involved
- Indian Air ForceIssuing the tender for the avionics upgrade and managing the procurement process
- Defence Research and Development OrganisationMay be involved in providing indigenous diagnostic tools and R&D cooperation
- Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedMay be a potential bidder for the indigenous avionics components
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation might see increased investment in indigenous diagnostic tools and R&D cooperation.
- Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedSpeculative
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited could see increased revenue from the tender for indigenous avionics components.
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The entities involved
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Indian Air Force
Aerial service branch of the Indian Armed Forces
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Pune
metropolis in Maharashtra, India
Related events
- The Indian Air Force is developing a military reform plan.
- The Ministry of Defence was developing a facility for the Indian Air Force in December 2019.
- Indian Air Force commits to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Indian Air Force and Indonesia strengthened defense ties through joint military exercises.
- A. P. Singh articulated the Indian Air Force's theaterisation plan on October 25, 2026.