India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
The Indian Army has been seeking a replacement for its Chetak fleets. (Photo: Indian Army)
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
India has moved to overhaul its rotary-wing fleet with two major Requests for Information (RFIs) that together seek 276 new helicopters across the country’s Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
The first RFI, released this month, covers an “urgent” requirement for 200 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH) – 120 for the Army and 80 for the Air Force. A second RFI, issued on 22 August, calls for 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), with 51 destined for the Navy and 25 for the Coast Guard. Both efforts emphasise indigenous production, technology transfer and long-term lifecycle support, marking a shift from
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
