Indian Air Force To Buy 12 Cheetal Helicopters From HAL

The Indian Air Force has sent out a request for proposal (RFP) to state-owned defense aerospace manufacturer HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) for the purchase of 12 Cheetal helicopters. According to IAF officials, the helicopters will be used for carrying out operations in high altitude areas in the northern borders. The choppers are an upgraded version of the Cheetahs with more powerful engines manufactured by HAL. The IAF is buying the new Cheetals as the acquisition of new Light Utility Helicopters for replacing the Cheetah/Chetak fleet have been delayed due to cancellations. The MoD is procuring 197 LUHs of which 133 would go to the army while the remaining would be with the IAF. The navy has also issued a tender for procuring 56 choppers that will replace its fleet of the vintage Cheetah/ Chetak helicopters. Indian armed forces, which are on a massive modernisation drive, have decided to procure and induct over 1,000 choppers for different requirements over the next five to 10 years, according to the Press Trust of India.