The Indian Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure approximately 200 modern light helicopters, classified as Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH), to replace the aging Chetak and Cheetah fleets currently in service with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative aligns with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign, emphasizing indigenous production to bolster self-reliance and support the domestic defense industry.

The Need for Replacement

The existing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, based on the Aérospatiale Alouette III and Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama respectively, have been in service for decades. The Chetak was first inducted in 1962, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) beginning its license production in 1965. The Cheetah followed in 1976. These helicopters, while reliable in their time, are now nearing the end of their operational lives. The age of the fleet has led to increased maintenance requirements and safety concerns, with a string of accidents highlighting the urgent need for modernization. Out of the original 246 Cheetah/Chetak helicopters, the Indian Army Aviation Corps currently operates around 190, with approximately 30 undergoing maintenance at any given time, resulting in a significant deficiency in operational helicopters.

The Procurement Plan

The RFI outlines the plan to acquire 120 helicopters for the Indian Army and 80 for the Indian Air Force. The selected helicopters will be multi-role platforms capable of operating day and night, fulfilling duties such as reconnaissance and surveillance, carrying small troops or Quick Reaction Teams for special missions, supporting ground operations with internal and external loads, scouting alongside attack helicopters, casualty evacuation (including search and rescue), and aiding civil authorities when required. The RFI aims to finalize the technical requirements, decide on the procurement method, and identify potential suppliers, including Indian companies partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). A vendor interaction session is scheduled for August 22, 2025, with the final date for submission of vendor responses set for October 18, 2025.

Indigenous Production and Modernization

This procurement drive is not isolated. The Defence Ministry has approved the purchase of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from HAL, worth over Rs 45,000 crore. These LCHs, along with the RSH, will be deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan. The Indian Army is also advancing its aviation modernization plans with the proposed procurement of 126 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from HAL. This acquisition, currently in the final stage of cost negotiations, is specifically aimed at replacing the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters in high-altitude environments. The HAL LUH is a new-generation, single-engine rotorcraft in the 3-tonne category, indigenously designed by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre. It boasts a service ceiling of 6,500 meters, making it ideal for operations in areas like Eastern Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier.

HAL has ramped up its production capabilities, with Asia's largest helicopter manufacturing facility established in Tumakuru, Karnataka. This factory will initially produce LUHs and will be expanded to manufacture LCHs and Indian Multi-role Helicopters (IMRH). HAL plans to produce approximately 30 helicopters per year initially, with the capacity to increase to 60 and then 90 helicopters per year in a phased manner.

Other Modernization Efforts

The Indian Army's Aviation Corps has also taken delivery of the first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, as part of a $600 million deal signed in February 2020. The remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered by December 2025, further strengthening India's operational readiness.

The IAF is also focused on achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing and supporting the growth of the domestic defence industry. Planned acquisitions for 2025-26 include low-level radars, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), multirole helicopters, and leased mid-air refuelling aircraft.

Naval Requirements

The Indian Navy also has a significant need for new helicopters. They intend to procure approximately 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and 123 Naval Multi-role Helicopters (MRH). The NUH will replace aging Cheetahs and Chetaks and will perform search and rescue, medical evacuation, communications, anti-piracy missions, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Conclusion

The procurement of 200 light helicopters to replace the Cheetah and Chetak fleets is a crucial step in modernizing the Indian armed forces. This acquisition, combined with the purchase of LCHs and LUHs, and the focus on indigenous production, will significantly enhance India's operational capabilities and promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing.