The Defence Ministry has begun the process to acquire 76 state-of-the-art Naval Utility Helicopters along with simulators and support equipment, to boost the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Indian Navy & Coast Guard To Get 76 Helicopters
Breakdown of Procurement
Of the 76 helicopters, a majority will be allocated to the Indian Navy to enhance its frontline operational readiness, while a sizeable number will also be deployed by the Indian Coast Guard for maritime patrol, disaster relief, and coastal surveillance.
Features & Capabilities
The helicopters, designed to operate from both warships and shore bases, are expected to be equipped with advanced surveillance radars, modern avionics suites, rescue gear, and anti-submarine sensors. This will allow improved detection of hostile submarines, piracy deterrence, as well as enhanced search-and-rescue capability during natural disasters or maritime mishaps.
Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing
The procurement is also aligned with the Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. A significant portion of the helicopters will be manufactured in India under technology transfer agreements, thereby bolstering the domestic aerospace industry and creating skilled job opportunities.
Strategic Importance
Given India’s 11098 km-long coastline and the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, these helicopters will play a pivotal role in enhancing maritime domain awareness. They are expected to strengthen operational synergy between the Navy and Coast Guard, ensuring quicker response times to threats and emergencies.
Official Statement
Defence officials emphasized that this move is part of a broader modernization plan to ensure India’s maritime forces remain technologically advanced and operationally prepared to meet both conventional and non-traditional security challenges.
