This type of helicopters consist the backbone of the utility helicopters fleet of the Indian Armed Forces. During the last five years Russian Helicopters has delivered a total of 121 units, bringing their total number to just over 300 in the Indian inventory.

The V5 version has been specifically developed for the Indian requirements. It is powered by the VK-2500 turbosharft engines which produce 2,700hp, which allow for a larger payload to be carried, especially in high altitudes of up to 6,000 m., has the KNEI-8 avionics suite, including four Multifunction Displays (MFD), the cockpit is NVG compatible, has an airborne weather radar and autopilot system.

The helicopters can be equipped with a weapons package that includes the Shturm-V missiles, S-8 rockets, a 23mm gun, PKT machine-guns and AKM sub-machines guns.