Helicopters are essential for operations in the Indian Army, given that it operates in some of the harshest environments globally. In the northern and western regions, helicopters play a crucial role in enabling rapid troop movement, reconnaissance, and combat support.
The high-altitude regions of Ladakh, Siachen Glacier, North Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh pose significant operational challenges due to extreme cold, unpredictable weather, and thin air. These conditions demand highly capable rotary-wing platforms. In counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, helicopters facilitate swift troop insertion and extraction, conduct surveillance missions, and assist with casualty evacuations.
Beyond combat, Army helicopters are vital for humanitarian aid and disaster relief, responding to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Their rapid airlift capabilities are critical for evacuating stranded civilians, delivering supplies, and performing medical evacuations during such events. Additionally, helicopters are indispensable in desert warfare.
For decades, the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters have served as the backbone of the Army Aviation Corps. While these platforms have proven reliable, they are now outdated. Developed in the 1960s and inducted in the 1970s, they lack modern avionics, safety features, and the operational flexibility needed for modern warfare.
Their single-engine design poses increased risk, and their limited payload capacity hinders efficient troop and equipment transport. Maintenance has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of spare parts.
Acknowledging these limitations, the Indian Army has launched a comprehensive modernization plan for its helicopter fleet, aimed at improving altitude performance, endurance, payload capacity, survivability, and mission versatility.
In July 2023, the Defence Ministry issued a Request for Information to lease 20 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters with ground support equipment for a five-year period.
The Army Aviation Corps currently consists of three brigades based in Leh, Missamari, and Jodhpur, operating around 190 Cheetah, Chetak, and Cheetal helicopters, 145 ALHs, and 75 Rudras (the weaponized version of the ALH). The indigenous light combat helicopters are in the process of induction, and orders for 25 ALH Mk-III have been placed.
Choppers in the Cart
Key aircraft being considered to replace the Army’s ageing fleet include:
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
A domestically developed platform currently undergoing phased induction. Engineered for high-altitude operations, it is set to replace the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters in forward areas.
Kamov-226T (Russia)
A proven reconnaissance helicopter featuring a modular design and twin-engine safety. Initially part of an Indo-Russian joint production initiative, its procurement has been delayed due to geopolitical factors.
Airbus H125
A globally recognized high-altitude helicopter known for its advanced avionics and superior payload capacity.
Private Sector Participation
A crucial development in enhancing operational capabilities across diverse and challenging terrains. The entry of private Indian companies into helicopter manufacturing is expected to drive competition, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
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