DefMin shows interest in buying 111 Naval copters

The defence ministry on Tuesday issued expression of interest for potential Indian strategic partners and foreign manufacturers for the “procurement” of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters ( NUH) for the Indian Navy. The contract is expected to be worth ` 22,000 crore.

These helicopters will replace French- designed Chetak Helicopters. Some 95 helicopters out of 111 will be manufactured in India by the selected Indian Strategic Partner.

Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence, L& T, Bharat Forge and Reliance Infrastructure are the probable Indian companies that are likely to participate in the process. The Indian companies would be shortlisted based on their capability of system integration, facility in the aerospace domain and financial capability.

The foreign OEMs likely to participate in the project are Lockheed Martin, Airbus

◗ These helicopters will replace Frenchdesigned Chetak Helicopters. Some 95 helicopters out of 111 will be manufactured in India by the selected Indian Strategic Partner

Helicopters, Bell Helicopters and RoE.

These choppers are mostly used for search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, communication duties, antipiracy and anti- terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance, surveillance and targeting.

The case was approved by defence acquisition committee ( DAC) on 25 August last year.

The project is likely to provide major boost to government’s Make in India’ initiative and fillip to manufacturing capability for helicopters in India.

The request for EoI from Indian private companies for participating in the project has been hosted on the defence ministry and Indian Navy website.