In a major push for indigenisation of naval aviation, HAL has confirmed that its new Utility Helicopter-Maritime (UH-M), designed for deck-based operations and maritime missions, will make its first flight this year.
The UH-M builds on the design legacy of the earlier Dhruv-class helicopters but incorporates extensive modifications suited for sea operations: rotor-blade folding, a folding tail boom, and a ship-compatible airframe to enable efficient storage and deployment from warships.
Intended to replace the aging fleet of legacy helicopters like the Chetak, this platform is expected to serve multiple roles, personnel transport, cargo logistics, casualty evacuation, maritime rescue, and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions under varying sea conditions.
Approval from procurement authorities and a ramp-up under the “Make in India” initiative underpins the project, reflecting New Delhi’s drive towards self-reliant defence manufacturing. The first flight, promised within 2025, marks a potential turning point in India’s naval helicopter capability.
