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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![New E-3 and T-38 awards expose US Air Force legacy fleet dependence]()
New E-3 and T-38 awards expose US Air Force legacy fleet dependence
Contracts for E-3 aircrew training through August 2029 and supplies for the T-38 engine until December 2028 reflect issues with replacement and retirement plans across the USAF inventory.
-
![Ageing RQ-11 Raven fleets create a global replacement opportunity]()
Ageing RQ-11 Raven fleets create a global replacement opportunity
The RQ-11 Raven is being retired from service across most of its more than 30 operators. Defence Insight estimates that these Raven retirements open up a replacement market worth at least $576 million, but suppliers will have to act quickly and strike a balance between cost and capability to succeed.
-
![Shield the warfighter, win the fight (video)]()
Shield the warfighter, win the fight (video)
BAE Systems’ Intrepid Shield™ approach delivers full-spectrum electromagnetic protection to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats.
-
![August drone digest: AEVEX solidifies large US loitering munition market share as procurement models shift]()
August drone digest: AEVEX solidifies large US loitering munition market share as procurement models shift
AEVEX has strengthened its position in the US loitering munition market with another contract award, solidifying its position as the second-largest supplier of the capability in the US. Elsewhere in August, new and emerging programmes in Sweden and Germany point to a broader shift towards larger, rolling framework agreements for loitering munitions across Europe.
