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3w ago

India Fast-Tracks Purchase of 200 Light Reconnaissance Helicopters

Vendor meetings are scheduled later this month, with bids due by mid-October to secure advanced avionics and technology transfers for domestic production.

IAF inducted currently operational Chetak helicopters in 1965, followed by Cheetah in 1976. | ANI file
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cheetah chetak helicopters
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Overview

  • The Defence Ministry has issued an urgent RFI for 120 helicopters for the Army Aviation Corps and 80 for the Air Force to replace 1960s-vintage Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
  • Vendor interactions are set for later this month, marking an accelerated procurement timeline with formal proposals expected by mid-October.
  • The RFI demands multi-mission capability including day-night reconnaissance, surveillance, troop transport, casualty evacuation and external load operations.
  • All bids must include technology-transfer agreements and partnerships with Indian firms to bolster Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and ensure lifecycle support.
  • This acquisition follows a stalled 2015 Ka-226T deal from Russia and complements HAL’s limited-series Light Utility Helicopter and the recent LCH Prachand contract.