India starts receiving proposals for Naval Utility Helicopter procurement

The navalized version of HAL's Dhuruv light helicopter. Photo c/o Defense Update.

India has started the process of entertaining proposals for their upcoming Naval Utility Helicopter procurement for the Indian Navy ,with three helicopter manufacturers submitting proposals while also receiving proposals from eight local companies to becoming strategic partners.

The project, which is expected to be worth INR220 billion (US$3.18 billion) for 111 units of naval utility helicopters. The winning model will replace the ageing Chetak helicopters built by Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

The three foreign manufacturers include Airbus Helicopters, which is offering their H145M and AS565 Panther helicopters, Lockheed Martin with the Sikorsky S-76, and Russian Helicopters with the Kamov Ka-226T Hoodlum. At the same time, Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. (HAL) also made a proposal offering a navalized version of their Dhuruv light helicopter.

Previously Bell Helicopters also made known its interest with their Bell 412, but it appears that they have not yet submitted a formal proposal.

Under the “Make in India” policy of the Indian government, the requirement calls for the local manufacture of at least 95 of the helicopters. This is where the local strategic partners will become relevant. 



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Flight Global
[3] Naval Technology