Rs 20,000 Crore Boost: India to Buy 200 Light Multirole Helicopters
Defence Ministry clears Rs 20,000 crore plan to replace Cheetah/Chetak fleet with 200 light multirole helicopters built in India.
In a massive move to modernize its aerial capabilities, the Defence Ministry has greenlit a proposal worth Rs 20,000 crore to procure 200 light multirole helicopters (LMRH) for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The decision, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, aims to phase out the aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak choppers that have served the nation for decades.
The Push for 'Make in India'
A key highlight of this procurement plan is the emphasis on domestic manufacturing. The proposal stipulates that these 200 helicopters will be built within India, with Indian companies taking the lead in the production process. According to defence officials, the contract is likely to be divided between the L1 and L2 bidders in the programme, ensuring a competitive and robust supply chain.
The Heavyweights in the Race
The competition for this multi-billion rupee contract is heating up, with global aviation giants partnering with Indian conglomerates. The primary contenders expected in the fray include:
- Tata-Airbus: A partnership between the Tata Group and the European aerospace giant Airbus.
- Adani-Leonardo: A collaboration between the Adani Group and Italy's Leonardo.
- Bell Helicopters: The US-based manufacturer is also expected to submit its bid for the procurement.
Ending a Two-Decade Struggle
This approval comes after nearly 20 years of failed attempts to replace the vintage fleet. The journey has been fraught with setbacks; back in 2014, India had selected the Russian Ka-226 as the replacement, but that programme never materialized. Previous tenders were also scrapped for various reasons, leaving a critical gap in the forces' operational capacity.
Why These Helicopters Matter
The urgency of this procurement is driven by the critical roles these light choppers play. With around 400 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters slated for retirement in the coming years, the Indian defence forces need an immediate successor for:
- Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Monitoring frontiers from the frozen heights of Siachen in the North to the dense terrains of Arunachal Pradesh in the Northeast.
- Border Security: Maintaining a watchful eye across all national borders.
While the Army and Air Force focus on multirole capabilities, the Indian Navy is simultaneously pursuing its own acquisition of light maritime choppers specifically designed for search and rescue operations and other naval missions.