Overview

• The plan covers 51 aircraft for the Navy and 25 for the Coast Guard to phase out ageing Chetak helicopters.
• Platforms must conduct search and rescue, casualty and medical evacuation, disaster relief, communications and low‑intensity maritime operations by day or night from ship or shore.
• Key specifications include twin engines, wheeled landing gear, foldable blades for ship stowage and provisions for 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm guns, with reporting differing on maximum all‑up weight (5,500 kg versus five tonnes).
• The acquisition uses a Single Stage–Two bid path with separate technical and commercial offers, no‑cost field trials in India after technical clearance and vendor responses due by October 17, 2025.
• Vendors must meet Buy & Make (Indian) conditions including technology transfer, at least 50% indigenous content on the Make portion, five years of proven naval service for the platform and obligations for long‑term support with an integrity pact and a 5% performance‑cum‑warranty bond.