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https://x.com/somnath1978/status/1894807149597073728 ---> A strong Minister/Defence Secy will tell the Army - its either LUH or you can continue flying Cheetahs. No Ka226/Fennec/Euro-something or the other will be approved.
https://x.com/somnath1978/status/1894808418256593365 ---> Wont be a bad idea to reserve a few posts in HAL, incl that of the CEO, for IAF officers. At the very least, all the "HAL is bad" excuses will stop. Bit like shipyards - they are the worst in Asia. Yet Navy does not complain, as they are led by ex-Navy officers
VIDEO:https://x.com/SandeepUnnithan/status/18 ... 3423613001 ---> No defence platform has gone from the drawing board to Siachen in just 5 years. It will be a pity if the HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) does not get the bulk production orders it deserves. Indian Designed Developed & Manufactured (IDDM) all the way.
As per confirmed sources, a senior IAF veteran and experimental test pilot (ETP) under HAL employment had warned officials within the company of serious design issues in LUH early in the program.
Rakesh wrote: ↑27 Feb 2025 22:01 https://x.com/somnath1978/status/1894808418256593365 ---> Wont be a bad idea to reserve a few posts in HAL, incl that of the CEO, for IAF officers. At the very least, all the "HAL is bad" excuses will stop. Bit like shipyards - they are the worst in Asia. Yet Navy does not complain, as they are led by ex-Navy officers
Probably a bad idea. The reason the Navy is not complaining on the delays is probably because the navy is not going to be able fund it faster than that with its minuscule budget, relatively speaking. To equate that with the Shipyards being led by ex naval personnel is a pretty wrong assumption, IMO.
Did we ever get any detailed reason why Apache crashed? Was it fault of the machine, maintainence or crew? When it comes to foreign maal we do not use the same yardstick that we use for desi platforms
As per confirmed sources, a senior IAF veteran and experimental test pilot (ETP) under HAL employment had warned officials within the company of serious design issues in LUH early in the program.
Atmanirbhar in the Skies: India’s Helicopter Revolution
India is embarking on an ambitious plan to acquire over 1,000 helicopters over the next decade, a move critical to its military modernisation and self-reliance in defence production. With rising tensions along the Himalayan frontier with China and an ageing fleet, the Indian Armed Forces require advanced rotary-wing platforms to enhance mobility, surveillance, and combat capabilities.
In this week's Defence Mantra, Nitin A Gokhale breaks down India’s massive helicopter requirements and what it means for the future of its defence forces. The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is set to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleet, offering high-altitude operational capabilities. The Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) aims to replace the Mi-17 fleet and serve across military and naval operations. Meanwhile, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand—designed for high-altitude warfare—has already entered service, adding much-needed firepower along India’s borders.
Beyond military needs, India’s push for indigenous helicopter manufacturing, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision. The upcoming production of LUH and IMRH, along with the ALH Dhruv, will not only strengthen India's defence sector but also open up significant export opportunities.
Can HAL and private defence players meet this massive demand? Will India emerge as a global player in helicopter production? Join us as we explore these questions, breaking down the challenges and opportunities in India’s helicopter modernisation race.
