Indian naval air arm boosts force levels
Beset by ageing legacy airframes, the Indian Navy is making progress in efforts to induct newer rotary-winged and fixed-wing aircraft.
Indian Navy (IN) aviation is expanding with capacity and capability enhancements.
Adm Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff, revealed details about new aircraft acquisitions at a Navy Week press conference on 3 December.
‘As regards aviation, we inducted three ALH [Advanced Light Helicopter] Mk III, four Chetak [SA 316/319B Alouette], eight Dornier and one P-8I aircraft this year,’ Singh said, adding that deliveries of the first of 24 MH-60R helicopters are to commence next year.
He also remarked that contracts for the procurement of six P-8Is, six Ka-31 airborne early-warning helicopters and the upgrade of six Heron UAVs were ‘likely
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs]()
UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
-
![Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape]()
Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape
Northrop Grumman, Airbus and Anduril are positioning their uncrewed aerial vehicles for future collaborative combat aircraft contracts in a market that is forecast to exceed $36 billion.
-
![India’s military integration drive faces interoperability hurdles]()
India’s military integration drive faces interoperability hurdles
Senior military leaders have highlighted the need for interoperable systems, common data standards and closer cooperation between India's armed services.
-
![UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades]()
UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades
Airbus is developing new capabilities for its A400M transport aircraft as European countries consider future airlift requirements and the UK plans to deploy the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
-
![The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom]()
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
