India Friday formally inducted Russian-made Mi-17 V5 armed helicopters into its air force.

"The Mi-17 will help in adding muscle to Indian Air Force (IAF) 's capabilities to carry out operations assigned to it," Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony said after commissioning the chopper.

India last year ordered 80 such choppers from Russia under the 1.34 billion U.S. dollar deal inked in 2008. All the helicopters will be inducted into the Indian Air Force by 2014.

The helicopters have substantial and effective firepower with the latest and more powerful engines that will greatly enhance its payload capability at higher altitudes.

These will greatly enhance IAF's capabilities to carry troops and cargo at higher altitudes and help in combat operations.

The Mi-17 V5 is an upgrade of Mi-17, which India already has, in the medium-lift category and is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot as well as on board navigation systems and on board weather radar, and is compatible with the latest- generation night vision goggles.