Aero India 2021: HAL pushes the IMRH the Indian military’s way
HAL feels confident about developing a medium-weight helicopter, but it requires the Indian military to feel the same way.
Following development and certification of three different light helicopters, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is graduating to the 13t medium-lift Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army to replace rugged Mi-17s.
Chief designer G. Shamnath, of the Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre at HAL, announced at Aero India 2021, ‘These [Mi-17] legacy helicopters to be phased out by 2028 offer a huge replacement market.’
The IAF requires 250, the army 170 and the navy 123, Shamnath said.
‘We understand we are up against well-entrenched and serious global players…We are clear about our task. We
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
-
![A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration]()
A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration
As images of what might be an F-47 prototype or proof-of-concept vehicle emerge from the Nevada desert, what do they tell us about the aircraft’s capabilities and enabling technologies?
-
![Latin American fixed-wing capability gaps create openings for industry competition]()
Latin American fixed-wing capability gaps create openings for industry competition
Transport and tanker aircraft represent a growing opportunity in Latin America as countries in the region increasingly look to replace ageing fleets and reduce dependence on second-hand platforms.
-
![With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare]()
With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare
The modern battlefield is evolving rapidly — threats range from stealthy cruise missiles to coordinated drone swarms. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is meeting these challenges head-on with a series of transformative upgrades to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and maritime SeaGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks additional suppliers of bunker bomb warheads]()
US Air Force seeks additional suppliers of bunker bomb warheads
The USAF plans to award up to four contracts to expand production of large penetrator warhead case assemblies supporting the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator and future GBU-76 Next-Generation Penetrator.
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
