https://sputniknews.in/20240104/iafs-chopper-procurement-takes-turn-russian-mi-26-helicopters-replace-chinooks-6080500.html
IAF's Chopper Procurement Takes Turn: Russian Mi-26 Helicopters Replace Chinooks
IAF's Chopper Procurement Takes Turn: Russian Mi-26 Helicopters Replace Chinooks
Sputnik India
The IAF's chopper acquisition strategy is undergoing a sea change with the guardians of the South Asian country's skies reportedly deciding against the procurement of a new fleet of US-manufactured Chinook helicopters.
2024-01-04T12:54+0530
2024-01-04T12:54+0530
2024-01-04T12:56+0530
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The IAF's helicopter acquisition strategy is undergoing a sea change, with the South Asian nation's air defenders reportedly deciding against acquiring a new fleet of US-built Chinook helicopters.On the other hand, with India's relations with close partner Russia on the upswing, the Eurasian nation's Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters are finding favour in the corridors of South Block, the headquarters of the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD).In addition, India's existing fleet of Mi-26 helicopters is due for an overhaul, which will be carried out in Russia.IAF Chief Hints at Stopping Import of Combat HelicoptersThe Boeing Chinook development comes just days after IAF chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari said India would no longer need to import attack helicopters with the arrival of the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)."We had initially procured 10 of them for the Indian Air Force, the light attack helicopters, and they have proved their worth. They are indeed very manoeuvrable, they are capable of performing multiple roles even at high altitudes and these will definitely enhance the capability of the armed forces and the air force in particular," he elaborated.Aviation observers believe that the high operating and maintenance costs of the Chinooks, as well as the lack of MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities for them in India, have forced the IAF to reassess its helicopter procurement initiatives.HAL's IMHR and Mi-26 to Form Bulwark of IAF's Heavy-Lift Chopper Fleet Instead of acquiring the American-made Chinooks, the IAF has reportedly opted for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) being developed by state-owned aeronautics giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).Although the proposed IMHR would be slightly smaller than the Chinooks, it is being touted as India's next-generation helicopter.Until HAL's plans to develop the IMHR come to fruition, the IAF will rely on Mi-26 helicopters, which will become operational this year after being upgraded in Russia.The main factor behind the IAF's switch is cost effectiveness and support for locally manufactured weapon systems.According to Major General S.P. Sinha (retd), indigenous development of military hardware is the way forward for the Indian armed forces.
https://sputniknews.in/20231130/iaf-to-acquire-97-tejas-aircrafts-what-does-this-mean-for-fighter-fleet---5653991.html
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IAF's Chopper Procurement Takes Turn: Russian Mi-26 Helicopters Replace Chinooks
12:54 04.01.2024 (Updated: 12:56 04.01.2024) The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking for newer heavy-lift helicopters to meet its operational requirements. However, recent reports suggest that the US-built Chinook helicopters are no longer in the running.
The IAF's helicopter acquisition strategy is undergoing a sea change, with the South Asian nation's air defenders reportedly deciding against acquiring a new fleet of US-built Chinook helicopters.
On the other hand, with India's relations with close partner Russia on the upswing, the Eurasian nation's Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters are finding favour in the corridors of South Block, the headquarters of the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD).
In addition, India's existing fleet of Mi-26 helicopters is due for an overhaul, which will be carried out in Russia.
IAF Chief Hints at Stopping Import of Combat Helicopters
The Boeing Chinook development comes just days after IAF chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari said India would no longer need to import attack helicopters with the arrival of the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
"The need for a very agile attack helicopter was felt immediately after the Kargil conflict, and this indigenous development of the LCH or Prachand has given a tremendous boost to our warfighting capability in this area of helicopter combat operations," Chaudhari told reporters in New Delhi in November.
"We had initially procured 10 of them for the Indian Air Force, the light attack helicopters, and they have proved their worth. They are indeed very manoeuvrable, they are capable of performing multiple roles even at high altitudes and these will definitely enhance the capability of the armed forces and the air force in particular," he elaborated.
Aviation observers believe that the high operating and maintenance costs of the Chinooks, as well as the lack of MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities for them in India, have forced the IAF to reassess its
helicopter procurement initiatives.
HAL's IMHR and Mi-26 to Form Bulwark of IAF's Heavy-Lift Chopper Fleet
Instead of acquiring the American-made Chinooks, the IAF has reportedly opted for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) being developed by state-owned aeronautics giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Although the proposed IMHR would be slightly smaller than the Chinooks, it is being touted as India's next-generation helicopter.
It is expected that the IMHR will be able to carry out a variety of missions, including the transport of troops and military equipment at higher altitudes, as well as search and rescue missions.
Until HAL's plans to develop the IMHR come to fruition, the IAF will
rely on Mi-26 helicopters, which will become operational this year after being upgraded in Russia.
The main factor behind the IAF's switch is cost effectiveness and support for locally manufactured weapon systems.
According to Major General S.P. Sinha (retd), indigenous development of military hardware is the way forward for the Indian armed forces.
