Indian defence major Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) is making a strong push to compete for the Indian Navy’s Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) tender with its Made-in-India H-160M platform. The initiative underscores India’s focus on strengthening indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme and boosting domestic capabilities in aerospace and naval aviation.
The H-160M naval utility helicopter, developed in partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and global OEM Airbus Helicopters, is tailored for operations over sea, offering advanced avionics, enhanced payload capacity and mission versatility suited to navy requirements. Its state-of-the-art design allows it to perform a range of missions, including personnel transport, logistics support, search and rescue, and maritime reconnaissance.
By positioning the H-160M for the NUH programme, Tata Advanced Systems aims to leverage its existing aerospace manufacturing base in India and promote technology transfer and job creation. Officials linked to the project note that a strong domestic contender in the tender would help reduce dependency on foreign imports while strengthening strategic autonomy for the Indian armed forces.
The Indian Navy’s naval utility helicopter requirement is part of broader efforts to modernise rotary-wing fleets, improve operational readiness and enhance maritime domain awareness. If successful, the H-160M could play a key role in future naval missions and contribute to India’s expanding defence industrial base.
