Govt. clears Rs. 21,738 crore project to 111 naval helicopters
The procurement of 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH) worth Rs. 21,738 crore for the Indian Navy has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This is the first proposal to be approved under the new strategic partnership model aimed at boosting defense production in India. The Navy's operational preparedness has been hampered by a shortage of helicopters.
India launches bids for 234 helicopters for navy worth $5bn
On August 23, the Indian government launched a global competition for 123 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRHs) and 111 armed naval light utility helicopters (NUH). The NMRH would be a potent anti-submarine warfare platform while the NUH would be meant for operating off the decks of warships. Both projects are worth $5 billion and will be executed under the new strategic partnership policy.
Navy is critically short of helicopters
The Indian Navy (IN) has only 11 ageing Kamov-28 and 17 Sea King anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters in its inventory. The helicopters, which are in poor condition, are all the navy has to defend its 140-warship fleet at a time when Chinese nuclear and diesel-electric submarines are increasing their patrols in the Indian Ocean. This makes the NMRH and NUH "critical operational necessities."
What is the strategic partnership model?
The model aims to invite the participation of Indian private players in building defense equipment including fighter jets and submarines for India, in partnership with foreign entities. The projects will be implemented through Joint Ventures controlled by Indian companies, with FDI capped at 49%. The model further enables Indian companies to benefit from technology transfer from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).
What the NUH deal entails?
Under the proposal, 16 choppers will be bought in "fly-away condition" from the foreign OEM while the remaining 95 will be produced in India by a domestic strategic partner. Defense news website Livefist has reported that the European company Airbus has pitched its AS656 Panther helicopter for the NUH requirement. US company Bell has offered its Bell-429 helicopters while Sikorsky, the S-76.
What role will the NUH play for Indian Navy?
The twin-engine NUH is meant to replace the navy's aging single-engine Chetak helicopters. The Request for Information (RFI) for the NUH states that the choppers are required to perform various roles, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, anti-piracy, disaster relief and surveillance. They will also transport supplies and troops to naval vessels. They must also be equipped with torpedoes to play anti-submarine warfare roles.
