SHYAM RAVINDRAN / NEW DELHI
The Indian ministry of defence has given the go-ahead for a mid-life update of the Indian navy's Sea King helicopters, which are used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations over the Indian Ocean.
Defence ministry sources say the $150 million modernisation plan has been approved for 10 Sea King helicopters. The fleet of 32 helicopters cannot function at sea for more than 1h and is unable to perform effective operations.
The Sea Kings date from 1988, when Westland Helicopters won the order to supply 43 machines to the navy. Indian navy officials say the helicopters fell into disrepair when the USA imposed military sanctions, preventing India sourcing Sikorsky-manufactured original equipment spares. Even after the lifting of the US sanctions, 10 helicopters have been grounded for over a year while the spares drought continues.
The Indian navy attempted to obtain some Sea King spares from Indian industry sources, including components for gearboxes, rotor systems, sonar systems and defence electronics items for avionics. Navy officials have since disclosed that these fell short of reliability requirements and led to limitations in the ASW operations.
The mid-life upgrade involves replacing the engine, avionics systems, mission computer, radar system and missiles. The defence ministry will shortly float separate global tenders for procurement of a maritime radar, airborne early-warning radar, Doppler navigation system, lightweight torpedoes and air-to-surface missiles.
Meanwhile, India is again evaluating potential replacements for the Sea Kings in a process that began two years ago. Industry sources say a follow-up request was recently submitted to manufacturers. The programme, which has been held up by budget constraints, is expected to move forward with selection of a helicopter type in late 2004 or 2005.
The Eurocopter AS532C Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70 are already being evaluated by a special naval procurement committee formed by India to lead the project, although it has not yet received approval to release a tender. The Indian government has a requirement for around 24 new naval ASW helicopters over several years.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY BRENDAN SOBIE
Source: Flight International
