India reopens hunt for reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters
HAL Light Utility Helicopter pictured during a test flight. (Photo: Indian MoD)
The extended deadline for vendors highlights the complexity of the procurement for India, with numerous vendors positioning themselves for the programme.
India’s stop‑start quest for 200 light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) has resurfaced after 15 years.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reissued a request for information (RfI) to replace around 270 of its ageing Chetak and Cheetah fleet crippled by unavailable rotables and a serviceability gap of nearly 37%, undermining the military’s high‑altitude readiness.
With frontline helicopters in high-altitude and border deployments long overdue for replacement, the Indian Army leased 20 light choppers last year to plug high-altitude gaps. During the short conflict with Pakistan, dubbed “Operation Sindoor”, vintage Chetaks and Cheetahs proved vital, rekindling the urgency for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![European firms express interest in filling NATO airborne early warning replacement needs]()
European firms express interest in filling NATO airborne early warning replacement needs
The comments from both Saab and Airbus on their potential to fulfil the airborne early warning and control requirement come after NATO countries shelved plans to procure six E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Lockheed’s AGM-158 XR flight tests planned for 2026]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Lockheed’s AGM-158 XR flight tests planned for 2026
The AGM-158 XR, which started as a Lockheed Martin internal investment, was first unveiled in September 2024.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Airbus reveals progress on drone mothership plans for A400M]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Airbus reveals progress on drone mothership plans for A400M
Airbus is working to expand the mission capabilities of its A400M aircraft, including a 40t payload increase, to boost Europe’s defence capabilities.
-
![How are next-generation ejection seats helping pilots when they need it most?]()
How are next-generation ejection seats helping pilots when they need it most?
The ACES 5 ejection seat from RTX’s Collins Aerospace introduces new, innovative and patented technologies to help save lives.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer strengthens C-390 UAE bid with completion centre plans]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer strengthens C-390 UAE bid with completion centre plans
The proposals, along with a recent MoU signed with local industry, move the company another step forward in its bid to replace the UAE’s ageing transport aircraft.
-
![Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for F-16s enters low-rate initial production]()
Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for F-16s enters low-rate initial production
The L3Harris Viper Shield is seen as a key component in keeping the newest generation of F-16s up to date and providing a retrofit capability to earlier aircraft.
