India is mulling to procure 70 new Russian Mi-17 V5 armed helicopters for its air force and Home Ministry, apart from the already ordered 80 choppers, sources said Sunday.

"Indian Defense Ministry is likely to place an order of the 70 new choppers from Russia in a bid to bolster its air force's helicopter fleet and also give at least 12 to the Home Ministry for its special internal operations," they said.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony on Friday formally inducted the first batch of the 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," Antony said.

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.