
Indian Army, IAF Seek 200 Helicopters to Replace Chetak-Cheetah
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have initiated efforts to acquire 200 light helicopters to replace decades-old Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to vendors for the procurement of the helicopters, which will be used for various purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
According to reports, of the 200 helicopters, 120 will be allocated to the Indian Army and 80 to the Indian Air Force. The new helicopters will be used to replace the ageing Chetak and Cheetah fleet, which has been in service for over three decades. The Chetak and Cheetah helicopters have been used for various tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation, but have been unable to keep pace with modern military requirements.
The Indian Army’s Chetak and Cheetah fleet, which consists of around 150 helicopters, has been in service since the 1970s and 1980s, respectively. While they have been reliable and effective in their time, they are now showing signs of fatigue and are no longer able to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The Indian Air Force’s Cheetah fleet, which consists of around 60 helicopters, has also been in service for over three decades. While they have been used for various tasks, including surveillance and reconnaissance, they are no longer able to keep pace with modern military requirements.
The acquisition of new light helicopters will provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force with a much-needed upgrade in their aerial capabilities. The new helicopters will be equipped with advanced avionics, sensors, and communication systems, which will enable them to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have identified several requirements for the new helicopters, including a maximum take-off weight of around 3.5-4 tonnes, a range of over 200 km, and the ability to operate in hot and high-altitude environments. The helicopters will also need to have advanced sensors and communication systems, as well as the ability to carry out night operations.
The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to vendors for the procurement of the helicopters, and several international companies have already expressed interest in the project. The RFI is the first step in the procurement process, and it is expected that the Defence Ministry will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to vendors in the near future.
The acquisition of new light helicopters is a significant step forward for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and it will provide them with a much-needed upgrade in their aerial capabilities. The new helicopters will enable them to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation, and will provide them with a significant advantage on the battlefield.
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have a long history of using helicopters for various tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. The Chetak and Cheetah helicopters have been used for these tasks for many years, but they are now showing signs of fatigue and are no longer able to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The acquisition of new light helicopters will provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force with a much-needed upgrade in their aerial capabilities. The new helicopters will be equipped with advanced avionics, sensors, and communication systems, which will enable them to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have identified several requirements for the new helicopters, including a maximum take-off weight of around 3.5-4 tonnes, a range of over 200 km, and the ability to operate in hot and high-altitude environments. The helicopters will also need to have advanced sensors and communication systems, as well as the ability to carry out night operations.
The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to vendors for the procurement of the helicopters, and several international companies have already expressed interest in the project. The RFI is the first step in the procurement process, and it is expected that the Defence Ministry will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to vendors in the near future.
The acquisition of new light helicopters is a significant step forward for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and it will provide them with a much-needed upgrade in their aerial capabilities. The new helicopters will enable them to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation, and will provide them with a significant advantage on the battlefield.
In conclusion, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force have initiated efforts to acquire 200 light helicopters to replace decades-old Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to vendors for the procurement of the helicopters, and several international companies have already expressed interest in the project. The acquisition of new light helicopters will provide the Indian Army and Indian Air Force with a much-needed upgrade in their aerial capabilities and will enable them to perform a range of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.