Overview

• The solicitation covers 76 aircraft plus simulators and support equipment, split as 51 for the Indian Navy and 25 for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy & Make (Indian) category.
• The helicopters must handle day and night missions including maritime search and rescue, casualty and medical evacuation, communication duties, aerial firefighting, HADR, and low‑intensity maritime operations from shore and ship.
• Key parameters include a maximum all‑up weight of 5,500 kg, twin engines, wheeled landing gear, blade‑fold for shipboard stowage, and options to integrate 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm guns for LIMO.
• Procurement will use a Single Stage–Two bid system with separate technical and commercial offers, TEC clearance leading to no‑cost in‑country field trials, long‑term support obligations, an integrity pact, EMD, and a performance‑cum‑warranty bond of 5%.
• Responses are due to the Directorate of Aircraft Acquisition in New Delhi by October 17, 2025, aligning with a broader push to replace ageing Chetak/Cheetah fleets and pursue licensed production with Transfer of Technology.