India has cleared a proposal worth approximately ₹20,000 crore to procure 200 light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, marking a step towards modernising the country’s military helicopter fleet.
The proposal was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Under the planned acquisition, the Indian Army is expected to receive 120 helicopters, while the Indian Air Force will receive the remaining 80.
The new helicopters are intended to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets, which have served the armed forces for decades. The aircraft will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, troop support, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Their ability to operate in challenging terrain and at high altitudes will be particularly important for military operations along India’s northern frontiers.
The replacement programme follows several procurement efforts over the past two decades that failed to progress. India had selected the Russian Ka-226 helicopter in 2014, but the programme did not move forward. The ageing fleet is expected to see around 400 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters retired in the coming years.
The procurement is expected to attract competition from domestic manufacturers and international aerospace companies seeking to expand their presence in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus are among the potential contenders, building on their aerospace manufacturing activities and defence industry cooperation in India.
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italy’s Leonardo have also explored the opportunity, with Leonardo’s AW109 TrekkerM identified as a potential platform for the requirement. Their partnership has outlined plans to develop manufacturing, maintenance and training capabilities in India.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) could also compete with its indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), developed to replace the Cheetah and Chetak fleets. The LUH has undergone testing in high-altitude conditions and received limited series production orders from the Army and Air Force.
Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, utility transport, casualty evacuation and search-and-rescue missions, the LUH is intended to operate in demanding environments, including the Himalayan region.
The acquisition could create opportunities to expand domestic aerospace manufacturing, develop local supply chains and strengthen India’s helicopter production and maintenance capabilities. The selection process will also be significant for India’s defence indigenisation efforts as the country seeks to reduce dependence on foreign platforms and build a stronger domestic aerospace industry.
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