NEW DELHI: India has restarted efforts to replace its ageing single-engine Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, long criticised for outdated avionics, lack of safety features, and a high crash rate similar to the MiG-21 fighters.
On Friday, the Army issued a request for information (RFI) for 120 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSHs) for itself and another 80 for the IAF. The new fleet must be capable of day–night surveillance, troop transport for special missions, carrying loads for ground operations, and operating as scouts alongside attack helicopters.
The armed forces have sought replacements for the roughly 350 Cheetahs and Chetaks—designs from the 1960s—for over two decades. These will complement 187 light utility helicopters (LUHs) being built by HAL, with phased induction set to begin in 2027 and continue for about a decade.
However, officials caution the RFI is only the first step to define requirements, procurement mode, and potential vendors, including Indian firms partnering with foreign manufacturers. Past efforts have faltered, including a 2015 India–Russia deal for 200 Kamov-226T helicopters, scrapped over cost and other issues.
Despite their reliability in high-altitude and forward areas, the old choppers suffer from poor maintainability and lack modern avionics, glass cockpits, and stability systems needed for low-visibility and adverse weather operations.
