Defence ministry begins process to procure 76 copters for Navy, Coast Guard
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Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only BenefitsThe Ministry of Defence is looking to procure 76 naval utility helicopters — 51 for the Indian Navy and 25 for the Coast Guard.
These helicopters will be used for maritime surveillance, utility tasks, disaster management, and low-intensity maritime operations.
The MoD has issued a Request for Information (RFI) — the first step in the tendering process — to identify vendors capable of manufacturing the helicopters in India.
The ministry has specified that the helicopters should be capable of performing multiple roles by day and night, including maritime search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and transportation of troops and cargo.
The requirement is for twin-engine helicopters with a payload capacity of 5.5 tonnes, capable of operating from ship decks and sea.
At present, the Navy and Coast Guard use a mix of helicopters for these roles. This includes the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters, which are based on the French-designed Aérospatiale Alouette III and Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama, produced in India.
This RFI is the second issued by the MoD this month to procure helicopters. Earlier, the MoD had floated an RFI to procure 200 helicopters — 120 for reconnaissance and surveillance for the Indian Army's aviation corps and 80 for the Indian Air Force.
The growing demand to phase out ageing helicopters has intensified in recent years following a series of accidents, including several fatal ones.