India’s Defence Ministry has approved a proposal worth around Rs 20,000 crore to purchase 200 Light Multirole Helicopters (LMRH) for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The new helicopters will replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets that have been serving the armed forces for several decades.
The proposal was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) during its meeting on Monday. Under the plan, the helicopters will be manufactured in India, with Indian companies leading the production process in partnership with international helicopter manufacturers.
The procurement is expected to strengthen India’s military aviation capabilities, particularly in difficult border regions where light helicopters play an important role in surveillance, transport and reconnaissance operations.
200 New Helicopters to Replace Ageing Cheetah and Chetak Fleet
The Indian armed forces have relied on Cheetah and Chetak helicopters for several decades, particularly for operations in mountainous and remote locations.
However, these helicopters are approaching the end of their operational service life, creating a need for modern replacements.
According to defence sources, approximately 400 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters are expected to be retired over the coming years.
The newly approved procurement of 200 Light Multirole Helicopters is intended to begin addressing this requirement.
These modern helicopters are expected to provide improved operational capabilities and support the armed forces in challenging geographical conditions.
Tata, Adani and Global Helicopter Makers Expected to Compete
Several major Indian and international companies are expected to participate in the helicopter procurement programme.
Tata Group is expected to compete in partnership with European aerospace manufacturer Airbus, while Adani Group is reportedly working with Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo.
American aviation company Bell Helicopters is also expected to offer a helicopter model for consideration.
The programme will prioritise manufacturing in India, with domestic companies taking the lead in production and international partners contributing technology and technical expertise.
According to defence officials, the contract could be divided between the two leading qualified bidders, commonly referred to as L1 and L2, under the proposed procurement arrangement.
This approach could allow more than one manufacturer to participate in supplying the helicopters.
Defence Acquisition Council Clears Long-Pending Project
The Defence Acquisition Council’s approval marks another step in India’s efforts to replace its ageing light helicopter fleet.
The Defence Ministry issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the programme last year to assess potential suppliers and available helicopter models.
However, attempts to acquire replacement helicopters have faced repeated delays over the past two decades.
Several earlier procurement processes were cancelled or failed to progress because of various challenges.
The latest approval is intended to move the replacement programme forward and address the armed forces’ operational requirements.
Earlier Russian Ka-226 Helicopter Deal Failed to Progress
India previously selected Russia’s Ka-226 helicopter in 2014 as a possible replacement for the Cheetah and Chetak fleet.
The programme was expected to provide modern light helicopters for the Indian armed forces.
However, the proposed procurement and manufacturing arrangement did not move forward as planned.
Earlier tender processes for similar helicopter requirements were also cancelled, delaying the replacement of the ageing fleet.
The new Rs 20,000 crore proposal represents another attempt to complete the long-pending modernisation programme.
Light Helicopters Play a Key Role in Border Security
Light helicopters are essential for Indian military operations, especially in regions where difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions limit ground transportation.
The Indian Army and Air Force regularly use these aircraft for reconnaissance, surveillance, personnel movement and logistical support.
In the northern region, helicopters operate in areas such as Siachen, where high altitudes and challenging weather conditions make aviation support particularly important.
They are also used along India’s northeastern borders, including Arunachal Pradesh, where mountainous terrain creates additional operational challenges.
The new Light Multirole Helicopters are expected to support these missions while improving the availability of aircraft for military operations.
Made in India Helicopter Production to Support Defence Manufacturing
A major feature of the procurement proposal is the requirement that the helicopters be manufactured in India.
Indian companies will lead the production programme, working with international aerospace manufacturers to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The project could create opportunities for Indian suppliers involved in helicopter components, engineering, maintenance and related aviation services.
It also aligns with India’s broader efforts to increase domestic defence production and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
Participation by companies such as Tata and Adani, alongside Airbus, Leonardo and Bell, could expand India’s involvement in helicopter manufacturing and associated technologies.
Indian Navy Also Expanding Its Light Helicopter Fleet
Alongside the Army and Air Force procurement, the Indian Navy is pursuing the acquisition of light maritime helicopters for its operational requirements.
These helicopters are intended to support search-and-rescue missions, maritime surveillance and other naval activities.
Light maritime helicopters play an important role in operations conducted from naval bases and ships, particularly when rapid response and mobility are required.
The Navy’s procurement plans are separate from the proposed acquisition of 200 Light Multirole Helicopters for the Army and Air Force.
New Helicopter Plan to Strengthen India’s Military Aviation
The Rs 20,000 crore proposal represents a significant step towards replacing India’s ageing military helicopter fleet.
With 200 new Light Multirole Helicopters planned for domestic manufacturing, the programme aims to improve the Army’s and Air Force’s ability to operate in remote and strategically important regions.
The involvement of Indian companies and international helicopter manufacturers could also support the development of India’s aerospace manufacturing industry.
However, the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval is an initial procurement milestone rather than a final purchase contract. The programme will still require further acquisition procedures before manufacturing and deliveries can begin.
If completed, the project will help modernise India’s light helicopter fleet and strengthen aviation support for military operations across the country.
