With the Indian Navy experiencing a critical shortage of helicopters, the defence ministry has finally initiated a process to buy 234 naval choppers, through a “Make in India” route.
The ministry on Tuesday issued a “request for information” to helicopter manufacturers from all over the world for buying 123 naval multi-role and 111 naval utility helicopters. The vendors have time till October 6 to respond.
Sources said the government wanted to execute both projects in strategic partnership mode in which original equipment manufacturers are encouraged to stitch a partnership with Indian companies to manufacture these platforms in India.
The blue water force requires the multi-role helicopters with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, without which its warships are defenceless against enemy submarines.
The twin engine light utility helicopters are required to replace the obsolete single engine Chetaks.
With the navy steadily adding new destroyers and frigates into the fleet, the service has virtually run out of helicopters to fly from the decks. The force now depends heavily on a handful of Kamov-28 and old Sea King helicopters to defend its existing fleet of 138 warships.
“We required these choppers yesterday,” said a navy officer, explaining how the shortfall was affecting the operational readiness.