The Indian Army and Air Force are preparing to buy about 200 new lighter helicopters by removing their old Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. For this, the Ministry of Defense has released the request for Information (RFI).
These new helicopters are divided into reconciliation and surveillance helicopter (RSH). Of these, 120 helicopters will be given to the Indian Army and 80 helicopters to the Air Force. These helicopters will be able to work both day and night.
The Ministry of Defense aims to decide technical needs, decide on the purchase process and identify potential suppliers. It will also include Indian companies who can form a helicopter by partnered with foreign companies (OEMS).
Defense ministry will buy more helicopter
The Defense Ministry has planned to buy more utility helicopters along with other platforms. According to the report of the Standing Committee on Defense Affairs introduced in Parliament, low-level radar, light fighter aircraft (LCA), multi-rol chopper, and mid-air refueling aircraft will also be purchased.
In addition, the Cabinet Security Committee has recently approved the purchase of 156 light fighter helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is said to be more than Rs 45,000 crore. These helicopters will also be divided into the army and the Air Force and will be deployed on the China-Pakistan border.
According to the Ministry of Defense, this step is also a major effort towards ‘self -sufficient India’. The Indian Air Force is emphasizing on making fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, chopper, trainer aircraft, missiles, drones and radars in the country to achieve self -sufficiency in the defense sector.
