Ukrainian Engine Testing in MI-17 Helicopters Raises Security Concerns; Key Role of British-Indian Businessman Sumanth Kapoor Exposed
New Delhi: For decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has relied on Russian technology and components for its MI-17 helicopter fleet. However, recent developments suggest a shift, with Ukraine emerging as a new player in India’s military aviation ecosystem. A recent engine testing project has spotlighted British passport-holder and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman Sumanth Kapoor, whose involvement has raised critical questions about India’s defense strategy and strategic autonomy.
Ukrainian Network Expands in India
Spearheaded by Kapoor, a multi-tiered network with operational links in New Delhi, Kyiv, and Dubai is working to replace Russian engine technology in MI-17 helicopters with Ukrainian alternatives. The network includes former military officers, technical experts, and corporate partners, all collaborating to integrate Ukrainian engine systems into India’s aerial defense platforms.
The Backbone: Three Key Companies
At the core of this initiative are three companies:
Ivchenko Progress India Pvt. Ltd.
Aquila Technologies and Integration Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Zorya Mashproekt India Pvt. Ltd.
While these companies are independently registered, they operate under a unified strategy and financial structure, directly overseen by Sumanth Kapoor. Ivchenko Progress India is closely tied to Ukraine’s aerospace giants Ivchenko Progress SE and Motor Sich JSC, both major engine suppliers.
The Key Players
Prominent figures involved in the network include:
Shalini Kapoor, sister of Kyiv-based logistics operator Pawan Khaba
Air Commodore (Retd.) Ashutosh Lal, former Air Attaché to Ukraine and chief liaison
Air Commodore (Retd.) Ajay Rathore, Managing Director of Aquila Technologies
Wing Commander (Retd.) Sudhir Verma, CEO of Aquila
Rajat Kapoor, responsible for corporate strategy and coordination
Engine Testing Background
According to sources, two MI-17 engines were imported from Ukraine for testing in India. Though the project was privately funded, it was reportedly carried out with the knowledge of Indian authorities. Transporting such military-grade equipment from a war-torn country under heavy NATO and Western surveillance posed significant challenges—yet the engines made it to Indian soil and were successfully tested.
Bharat Forge’s Major Entry
In December 2023, defense conglomerate Bharat Forge acquired a 51% stake in Zorya Mashproekt India, legitimizing the venture and signaling that this is no longer a mere private initiative. The investment marked a turning point, embedding the network into India’s formal defense-industrial ecosystem.
A Blow to Russia, a Win for Israel?
Insiders claim that Kapoor’s network managed to transfer the MI-17 upgrade project from Russia’s Rosoboronexport to Israel’s Elbit Systems. It is alleged that key IAF technical documents were shared with Elbit, undercutting the Russian bid and rendering it unviable.
Past Controversies & Investigative Silence
Sumanth Kapoor is no stranger to controversy. His name has appeared in previous defense scandals, including the 2006 Barak missile deal and the 2017 Rolls Royce bribery case. Although named in several CBI and ED investigations, no major legal action has been taken against him so far. Given his re-emergence in such a sensitive domain, security and investigative agencies may renew their scrutiny.
Strategic Shift for India?
India has long relied on Russia for defense imports, particularly for aviation components. But the introduction of Ukrainian engine technology signals a potential strategic realignment. This could help India reduce overdependence on a single source and foster multi-source procurement, aligning with the government’s broader vision of self-reliance. However, closer ties with Western-aligned Ukraine may invite geopolitical complexities and strain traditional relationships.