Aircraft
India May Drop Big Helicopter Purchase from Abroad
The Eurocopter AS550C3 Fennec is thought to be the leading contender for a 197-aircraft order from India, but that country may drop plans to acquire light utility helicopters from abroad (Photo: Eurocopter)
The Eurocopter AS550C3 Fennec is thought to be the leading contender for a 197-aircraft order from India, but that country may drop plans to acquire light utility helicopters from abroad (Photo: Eurocopter)

India may abandon plans to procure 197 light utility helicopter (LUHs) from abroad for the Indian air force (64) and army (133). Such a decision would favor government-owned defense manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), which is developing its own LUH design based on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The government was already planning to order an additional 187 light utility helicopters to be produced under license by HAL. It is not clear what the time frame for delivery would be, as HAL would need to expand its current production facility, requiring government approval.

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