India turns to leasing companies to plug military helicopter gaps
Delays in procurement programmes mean the Indian Army is looking to commercial lessors to supply 20 surveillance and reconnaissance helicopters. (Photo: HAL)
India's MoD is inviting proposals for leasing 20 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters for the Indian Army. Vendors are cautious due to a past unfulfilled naval RfI, but leasing offers new opportunities for defence acquisition.
Following delays in placing orders for procurement, India’s MoD has released an RfI to lease 20 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) from authorised Indian leasing companies and those in JVs with OEMs for the Indian Army.
The lease will include ground support equipment, maintenance (including performance-based logistics) and training of aircrew and trainers for five years. This could be extended to ten years with a purchase option for the pre-owned machines.
The RSH will operate from two existing bases of army aviation, will need to perform direction of artillery fire missions, carry a small squad of troops or quick-reaction teams
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