SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to secure approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later this year for its ambitious 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program. The state-owned aerospace giant is seeking funding to develop this medium-role helicopter, designed to replace the ageing Mi-17 fleet across the Indian Armed Forces starting in 2032.
With the Army and Air Force poised to place significant orders, and the Navy set to receive a tailored maritime variant powered by an enhanced SAFRAN-HAL engine, the IMRH promises to bolster India’s rotary-wing capabilities and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The IMRH, a twin-engine helicopter in the 12-13 tonne class, is envisioned as a versatile platform capable of troop transport, casualty evacuation, logistics support, and combat search and rescue (CSAR). It aims to phase out the Soviet-era Mi-17 series—approximately 240 of which serve the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy—many of which will reach the end of their service lives by the early 2030s. HAL’s push for CCS approval marks a critical step toward transitioning from concept to production, with development costs estimated at ?10,000-12,000 crore over the next 7-8 years.
The IMRH is designed to meet the diverse needs of India’s tri-services, with the Army and Air Force expected to be the primary customers. The Army, which relies heavily on Mi-17s for high-altitude operations in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, could require up to 150 IMRH units to maintain its logistical and tactical edge. The Air Force, similarly dependent on the Mi-17 for transport and disaster relief, may procure another 100-120 helicopters, ensuring continuity in its medium-lift capabilities.
The baseline IMRH will feature a robust airframe, advanced avionics, and a payload capacity of 3-4 tonnes, capable of carrying 24-30 troops or underslung cargo. Its high-altitude performance—crucial for operations above 6,000 meters in the Himalayas—will be powered by a co-developed engine from HAL and France’s SAFRAN Helicopter Engines. This engine, an evolution of the Shakti/Ardiden-1H1 used in the Dhruv ALH, will deliver over 1,800 shp (shaft horsepower), tailored to India’s extreme environmental demands.
The Indian Navy, while also replacing its Seaking, has distinct requirements that necessitate a specialized IMRH variant. This maritime version will be optimized for ship-based operations, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and search and rescue (SAR) missions over the Indian Ocean. Key modifications include foldable rotor blades, a reinforced airframe for corrosion resistance, and integration of sonar and anti-ship missile systems.
To meet the Navy’s power needs—particularly for hovering in humid, saline conditions—the SAFRAN-HAL engine will be “tuned” to deliver enhanced thrust, potentially exceeding 2,000 shp. “The Navy’s IMRH will be a game-changer for maritime security,” a HAL official told idrw.org. “It’s being designed with inputs from naval aviators to ensure seamless integration with our warships.” The Navy may order 40-50 units, complementing its existing fleet of Sea Kings and forthcoming MH-60R Seahawks.
HAL aims to roll out the first IMRH prototype by 2028, with flight testing spanning 2029-2031, paving the way for serial production by 2032. The program builds on HAL’s experience with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), but its larger size and multi-role demands present new engineering hurdles. Key challenges include integrating a glass cockpit, fly-by-wire controls, and crash-worthy features—technologies HAL is refining with support from domestic and international partners.
The CCS approval, expected by late 2025, will unlock initial funding of ?2,000-3,000 crore for design, prototyping, and ground testing. HAL has already completed preliminary design reviews and is collaborating with DRDO and private firms like Tata Advanced Systems for subsystems. The project’s indigenous content is targeted at 65-70%, aligning with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, though critical components like the engine and transmission may involve foreign collaboration.
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