SEARCH FOR A MEDIUM LIFT HELICOPTER

The Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), offering diverse capabilities, is being developed to cater to both military and civilian applications

- ATANU PATTANAIK

THE SEARCH FOR REPLACEMENTS FOR THE AGEING FLEET OF helicopters in the armed forces began over three decades back. The light helicopter fleet of French origin Chetak and Cheetahs were inducted way back in 1970s. The soviet origin Mi series of medium lift helicopters (Mi-17/Mi-17IV/Mi-17V5 and Mi-8s) also needed replacements in phases. Some RFPs reached trials stage by 2003-4 including flight tests in the high altitude terrain of Leh and Siachen where the helicopters are the workhorse for induction and sustenance in these remote locations. However, as is the case with many high value procurement proposals, these didn’t fructify beyond the price negotiation stage for a variety of reasons. The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal which involved a multimillion-dollar corruption case amounting to  `2.5 billion  ($29  million), transferred through bank accounts in the UK and UAE and paid to middlemen and Indian officials in 2006 and 2007 got exposed in 2013 leading to much hesitation to progress further procurements for urgent tri-service needs. 

INDUCTION OF ALH AND SAFETY CONCERNS