The Indian air force, army and navy are looking to acquire hundreds of new helicopters from foreign manufacturers over the next several years in addition to boosting their indigenous fleet.
The air force is considering the AgustaWestland EH101, Eurocopter AS532 Cougar and Kazan Mi-172 with BAE Systems avionics for an 80 aircraft medium-lift requirement. Manufacturers believe that if the programme moves forward, it could be the largest purchase of medium-size helicopters outside the USA for several years. But the evaluation is only in the early stages and it is unclear when the purchase will go forward, or even when a formal tender will be released.
The new aircraft will be used to replace the air force's Mil Mi-8s and Mi-17s. The air force has 10 Mi-8 and six Mi-17 squadrons, plus one Mi-35, one Mi-26 and one Mi-24/Mi-35 squadron.
"Until now, they've purchased Russian products and they are not to happy about that," says one Western manufacturer. "They need to be replaced."
The air force has also been looking to acquire up to 12 new VIP helicopters. The Mi-172 with Russian avionics and Eurocopter EC225 were evaluated several years ago, but the programme has since been marred by delays.
A new tender could be released within the next couple of years, adding the EH101 and Sikorsky S-92 to the shortlist. BAE is also trying to convince Kazan to propose the glass cockpit option for the Mi-172 in the next round of bids. But the programme is not expected to move forward soon because of political reluctance.
The air force also has eight squadrons operating Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Cheetah and Chetak light helicopters. The air force is now evaluating extending the lives and improving the performance of these helicopters through a re-engining (see main story).
The navy needs to replace its fleet of ageing Westland Sea Kings and has received data on the EH101, Cougar, Kamov Ka-31 with BAE tactical work station, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70R. But a formal tender has not yet been issued for this potential 12- to 20-aircraft acquisition.
India and AgustaWestland have also discussed possible upgrades to extend the lives of the Sea Kings. AgustaWestland claims earlier support problems with the Sea King fleet have been resolved, helped by the lifting of an embargo, and the manufacturer is now working with HAL to provide a local overhaul capability.
As well as its two Sea King squadrons, India's navy has two Kamov Ka-28 squadrons and three Chetak squadrons. Kamov and BAE believe synergies between the Ka-28 and Ka-31 could help it win the contract.
The army, meanwhile, is in the final stages of evaluating the Bell 407 and Eurocopter AS550 Fennec as potential replacements for its fleet of about 80 Cheetahs and 60 Chetaks. Industry sources say the army completed winter trials of the 407 and Fennec in December and summer trials will conclude by July. The two shortlisted manufacturers will then submit final bids for the sale of up to 197 aircraft, and a contract could be awarded by year-end pending government approval.
HAL will assemble at least half of the new helicopters. Deliveries will be spread out over 10 years.
The army first requested information on potential new multirole helicopters in 2003, but by Indian standards the competition is moving quickly. Budget approval appears likely because this is the most advanced of India's several proposed helicopters procurements, and the only one with an active tender.
The army currently only operates the Cheetah, Chetak and HAL Dhruv on a mix of reconnaissance, utility and medical evacuation missions. In the longer term, it may expand into heavier aircraft and join the air force in operating attack helicopters. HAL is trying to convince the army to re-engine its Cheetahs and Chetaks, but this option has not yet been evaluated.
HAL is also trying to convince the air force and navy to consider a proposed indigenous 10-12t helicopter to replace its Mi-8s, Mi-17s and Sea Kings, but it would take several years to develop, and foreign manufacturers say the services prefer proven Western aircraft with near-term deliveries.
Budget constraints are always an issue in India, but at least some of the helicopter acquisitions are expected to go forward in the next couple of years. "They have so many programmes, but the budget is pretty big," says Eurocopter Asia-Pacific regional sales director Rainer Farid.
BRENDAN SOBIE / BANGALORE
Source: Flight International
