The Indian Air Force is upgrading its Mil Mi-17V-5 fleet into long-range precision strike platforms by integrating advanced Spike NLOS missile pods. The move significantly enhances the helicopters’ battlefield role, enabling them to engage armoured targets from stand-off distances while remaining outside enemy air defence range.
The Spike NLOS system provides beyond-line-of-sight targeting capability with high-precision electro-optical guidance. This allows Mi-17-V5 helicopters to carry out anti-tank and high-value target missions in complex terrain, including mountainous and desert sectors.
The upgrade is aimed at boosting India’s rapid-response firepower and supporting ground forces with long-range, accurate strike options. It also improves survivability by allowing launch from safer distances rather than direct exposure to hostile zones.
With this transformation, the versatile Mi-17-V5 fleet — traditionally used for transport and logistics — is evolving into a multi-role combat asset, reflecting the IAF’s focus on network-centric and precision warfare capabilities.
