Chetak-Cheetah helicopters: The Defence Ministry has decided to upgrade its helicopters by buying around 200 new light helicopters. These new choppers will be used by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. They will take the place of the old Chetak and Cheetah helicopters which have been used for many years now. Out of the total 200, around 120 will go to the Army and the remaining 80 will be used by the Air Force.
The ministry has sent out a Request for Information or RFI for starting this project, which is like a call for details from companies who can supply these helicopters. They are looking for modern choppers that can work both during the day and at night.
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These new helicopters will be used for many jobs like watching enemy areas, helping special army teams reach missions quickly, carrying light loads to help troops, and flying along with attack helicopters to give more support. They will also help with rescue work and carry injured people when needed, and even help civil teams during emergencies.
The ministry is also focusing on companies from India that are working with big international makers of helicopters. This means Indian firms will get a chance to build or supply these machines with help from original equipment makers or OEMs from other countries.
IAF local defence manufacturing
The Indian Air Force already made plans earlier this year to buy more utility helicopters and other important defence equipment. As per a report shared in Parliament by the Standing Committee on Defence, there are many major purchases lined up for the year 2025-26. This includes things like low-level radars, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), multirole helicopters, and leased aircraft for refuelling other planes mid-air.
The Cabinet Committee on Security also approved the buying of 156 Light Combat Helicopters made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL. This big deal is worth over ₹45,000 crore. These helicopters will be given to both the Army and the Air Force, mainly for use along the borders with China and Pakistan. These choppers will help a lot in strengthening India’s defence and industry by creating jobs.
The Defence Ministry said the IAF is focused on self-reliance and under Atmanirbhar Bharat thier goal is to build everything locally from fighter jets and helicopters to missiles, radars, and drones.
According to ET the ministry said in its report, “IAF is pursuing indigenous production of fighters, transport, helicopters and trainer aircraft along with air-to-air weapons, air-to-ground weapons, surface-to-air guided weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles and radars.”
