The Ministry of Defence has formally set in motion the acquisition of 76 modern and technologically advanced Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs) to significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. This large-scale procurement initiative is not limited to the helicopters alone but also includes simulators and various forms of support equipment, ensuring that the forces will have a complete ecosystem for training, maintenance, and operational readiness. By expanding its aviation fleet in this manner, India aims to reinforce its maritime operations, improve disaster-response efficiency, and push forward the national agenda of defence self-reliance through indigenous development and manufacturing.
According to the details provided in the Request for Information (RFI), which has been made publicly available on the Indian Navy’s official portal, the procurement is carefully divided between the two services. Out of the total 76 helicopters, 51 are earmarked for deployment by the Navy, while the remaining 25 will be handed over to the Coast Guard. The procurement process falls under the “Buy & Make (Indian)” category, which clearly underscores the government’s intent to encourage local industry participation, reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, and ensure that the long-term benefits of technology transfer and manufacturing stay within the country.
The Naval Utility Helicopters, once inducted, will serve as multipurpose maritime assets capable of undertaking a diverse range of roles. These include critical search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea, timely medical evacuations and casualty transportation in life-threatening situations, and essential communication tasks such as passenger and cargo transfers across coastal and offshore regions. In addition, the helicopters will be configured for low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), equipped with light weapon systems to undertake combat duties in restricted scenarios. They will also play an essential role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) during natural calamities such as cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. Furthermore, their aerial firefighting capability will allow them to counter both shipboard and coastal fire emergencies effectively. Collectively, these roles highlight how the new fleet will transform India’s maritime response posture, especially in vulnerable and disaster-prone regions.
The RFI provides an extensive overview of the technical specifications required for the NUH. Each helicopter is mandated to have a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500 kilograms and will be powered by a twin-engine configuration equipped with an articulated rotor system for enhanced manoeuvrability and operational safety. The design will incorporate wheeled landing gear for easier ground handling, while blade-folding capability is specified to allow compact storage within warship hangars. The helicopters must demonstrate all-weather and round-the-clock operational readiness, enabling deployment both from shore-based facilities and from naval warships. For weaponised missions, the helicopters will be armed with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and 7.62 mm medium machine guns, further augmenting their ability to contribute in LIMO scenarios.
The procurement process itself will follow a strict multi-layered evaluation pathway. Initially, the proposals from shortlisted manufacturers will be assessed by a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). Once this stage is cleared, the helicopters will be subjected to rigorous Field Evaluation Trials (FET), which will be conducted within India on a “No Cost No Commitment” basis. This ensures that the equipment is tested under realistic Indian operating conditions before any final purchase decision is made. Ultimately, the responsibility of final approval and selection will rest with the Naval Headquarters, which will weigh the performance outcomes against operational requirements.
The move to induct Naval Utility Helicopters also represents a larger strategic effort by the government to modernise and rejuvenate India’s defence forces. In recent years, especially following operations such as Operation Sindoor, there has been an increased emphasis on accelerating defence acquisitions that bolster India’s aerial, land, and maritime assets. The NUH procurement is therefore not just a routine purchase but a carefully planned step toward replacing ageing helicopter platforms currently in service, enhancing maritime security, and reinforcing India’s preparedness for both conventional and unconventional challenges. In this way, the project contributes directly to strengthening national security, while simultaneously nurturing the country’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
