New Delhi: India has acquired 40 Russian-made multi-role helicopters capable of attacking targets with great accuracy, defence sources said.

The all-weather MI-17 IV choppers, which are capable of flying at very low altitudes at speeds up to 240 kms per hour, can carry 80 mm rockets that can destroy enemy bunkers, radars, convoys and bridges.

The delivery of the 40 MI-17 IV was completed by the Russians in 2002 and they have been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), the sources said.

Powered by two turbine engines and latest avionics, these war machines are being extensively used in Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, for air maintenance of troops deployed there, they said.

Besides rockets, the MI-17 IV can also carry 500 pound bombs, including Napalm explosives, and are equipped with 7.62 mm machine guns, which can be used effectively against aerial as well as ground targets.

The choppers, which can fly up to a height of 16,000 feet comes in very handy in providing succour during natural calamities, the sources said, adding "Flying the machine at tree-top heights is never a problem."

This would be the first time that the chopper would be displayed as part of IAF's contingent at this year's Republic Day parade.

PTI