NEW DELHI, October 7. /TASS/. India's Defense Ministry has approved use of Russian Mi-17-V5 helicopters to transport persons of special importance, including the president and prime minister.

Six new helicopters will replace the Russian Mi-8 currently used by the Indian air force. The implementation of the program will take half a year.

The need for Russian helicopters arose after India annulled an agreement on production of 12 AgustaWestland helicopteers by a subsidiary of the Italian company, when its management was accused of bribing local officials..