SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward enhancing its maritime and coastal security capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire four twin-engine heavy-lift helicopters. These helicopters, with an All Up Weight (AUW) of 10 tons for operations from Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and 12 tons for land-based operations, are intended to bolster the ICG’s operational flexibility in search and rescue (SAR), maritime surveillance, and disaster response missions. This move underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its Coast Guard fleet and strengthening its maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Indian Coast Guard plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s 7,516-km coastline, 12-nautical-mile territorial waters, and vast EEZ spanning 2.3 million square kilometers. With growing maritime threats, including illegal activities, environmental disasters, and geopolitical tensions in the IOR, the ICG requires advanced platforms to maintain robust surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
The acquisition of these heavy-lift helicopters is part of the ICG’s broader modernization plan to augment its aviation wing. The ICG currently operates a mix of helicopters, including the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Chetak helicopters, but these platforms are lighter and have limited payload capacities compared to the heavy-lift helicopters sought in the RFI. The new helicopters will bridge this capability gap, enabling the ICG to undertake more demanding missions, particularly from OPVs deployed far from shore.
Specifications and Operational Requirements
The RFI outlines specific technical and operational requirements for the helicopters to meet the ICG’s diverse mission profiles. Key specifications include:
- All Up Weight (AUW): The helicopters must have an AUW of approximately 10 tons when operating from OPVs to ensure compatibility with shipboard operations, and up to 12 tons for land-based missions, enabling greater payload and range.
- Twin-Engine Configuration: The helicopters must feature a twin-engine design to ensure reliability, safety, and performance during extended maritime operations, including over-water missions in challenging weather conditions.
- Mission Capabilities: The helicopters are expected to perform a range of tasks, including:
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for distressed vessels and personnel.
- Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance to monitor India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and counter threats like smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing.
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) in emergency situations.
- Cargo and personnel transport to support offshore operations and disaster relief.
- Shipboard Compatibility: For OPV operations, the helicopters must be equipped with features like foldable rotors and compact dimensions to operate from and be housed in the limited deck and hangar spaces of ICG vessels.
- Advanced Avionics and Sensors: The RFI emphasizes the need for modern avionics, including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, and communication suites to enhance situational awareness and mission effectiveness.
- Range and Endurance: The helicopters should have sufficient range and endurance to conduct long-duration missions over the IOR, with the ability to operate in adverse weather conditions.
Potential Contenders
Several global helicopter manufacturers are likely to respond to the RFI, offering platforms that meet the ICG’s requirements. Potential contenders include:
- Airbus Helicopters H225: A proven twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter with a 11-12 ton AUW, widely used for maritime SAR and offshore operations.
- Sikorsky S-92: A versatile helicopter with a 12-ton AUW, known for its reliability in SAR and maritime missions.
- Leonardo AW101: A 15-ton-class helicopter with advanced avionics and proven performance in naval operations, though its AUW exceeds the RFI’s requirements and may require modifications.
- Russian Mi-17 Variants: Russia’s Mil Mi-17 series, with a 12-13 ton AUW, could be a contender, given India’s historical use of Russian helicopters.
Indian manufacturers, particularly HAL, may also explore partnerships to propose customized variants of existing platforms or new designs tailored to the ICG’s needs.
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