SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army have announced plans to acquire a significant number of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) once the production phase is initiated. Under this ambitious procurement, the IAF and Indian Army together will purchase 353 units of the IMRH, while the Indian Navy will secure 66 units of a deck-based variant specifically tailored for maritime operations.
The IAF will lead the IMRH program, coordinating closely with the Indian Army to ensure that the helicopter meets the diverse operational requirements of both forces. The IMRH is designed to replace the aging fleet of Mi-17 helicopters, offering enhanced capabilities in terms of payload, range, and operability in various terrains, including high altitudes.
The IMRH is a versatile, twin-engine medium-lift helicopter that can perform multiple roles such as troop transport, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistics support. Its development emphasizes indigenous technology, aiming for a high percentage of local content to foster self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
HAL has been working on the IMRH for several years, with expectations that the first production models might roll out by the end of this decade. This timeline aligns with the phasing out of the current Mi-17 fleet, ensuring a seamless transition to the new helicopters.
The Indian Navy will oversee the development of the deck-based multi-role helicopter, which will be a heavier version of the IMRH, adapted for naval operations. This variant will be crucial for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and other maritime-specific missions. The DBMRH will incorporate features like blade folding for storage on ships, enhanced corrosion resistance, and specialized avionics for naval operations, ensuring it can operate effectively from aircraft carriers and other naval vessels.
As these helicopters move from the design phase through testing to production, they represent a significant step forward in India’s military modernization and its journey towards becoming a self-reliant nation in defense technology. The collaboration between HAL, the IAF, the Indian Army, and the Navy in this endeavor showcases a unified approach to enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
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