OEMs start to lose hope for Indian NUH bid
An ALH Mk III MR performs deck operations on an Indian Coast Guard vessel. (HAL)
HAL continues to push its ALH strongly for the Indian Navy's NUH requirement, but is it up to scratch compared to foreign designs?
The Indian Navy (IN) and MoD are locking horns over whether Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) should be permitted to bid for the 111-aircraft Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) tender alongside private players under the Strategic Partnership model.
Nevertheless, HAL stole a march by demonstrating its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III MR at the end of April.
An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ALH performed deck operations such as landing, folding blades, hot refuelling and storage in a ship hangar off the Chennai coast. HAL has delivered three ALH Mk III MRs each to the ICG and IN.
The Strategic Partnership model
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
-
![Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract]()
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
