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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
