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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.
Indian Army, IAF seek 200 light Helicopters to replace ageing Chetak-Cheetah fleet
The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to replace its fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with about 200 modern light helicopters classified as Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH).
The new helicopters will serve both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with an expected requirement of 120 units for the Army and 80 for the Air Force.
The RFI aims to finalise technical requirements, decide the procurement method, and identify potential suppliers, including Indian companies partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who can supply Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters.
LUH was tailor made for this task, but we have let the line go idle and it will take atleast 3 years to restart. What was the need for this RFI when we had a home grown product in LUH.
Rupesh wrote: ↑09 Aug 2025 10:49
Indian Army, IAF seek 200 light Helicopters to replace ageing Chetak-Cheetah fleet
The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to replace its fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with about 200 modern light helicopters classified as Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH).
The new helicopters will serve both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, with an expected requirement of 120 units for the Army and 80 for the Air Force.
The RFI aims to finalise technical requirements, decide the procurement method, and identify potential suppliers, including Indian companies partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who can supply Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters.
LUH was tailor made for this task, but we have let the line go idle and it will take atleast 3 years to restart. What was the need for this RFI when we had a home grown product in LUH.
We are short sighted - we designed for customer with their requirements. What is the need for this song and dance?
There are plenty of Import Bahadurs in Twitter, who readily give a free pass to imported helis but want to ground the entire Dhruv/LCH/LUH fleet at the first sign of trouble. The handle @realkaypius comes to mind, among others
These are the kinds of people who are opposing Naval Dhruv, LUH etc
True, the Dhruv with skids has a fatigue life problem, but its fixable. And its not like imported helis don't have this kind of problem or that Western nations didn't encounter these during their development cycles. But the step-motherly treatment is there for all to see
RM Parikkar would have cracked the whip. Rajnath Singh once claimed that knows that screwdrivergiri is not true Atmanirbhar. Yet, he happily parrots this lie. Maybe he has been co-opted or is just plain powerless
Prem Kumar wrote: ↑10 Aug 2025 11:37
There are plenty of Import Bahadurs in Twitter, who readily give a free pass to imported helis but want to ground the entire Dhruv/LCH/LUH fleet at the first sign of trouble. The handle @realkaypius comes to mind, among others
These are the kinds of people who are opposing Naval Dhruv, LUH etc
True, the Dhruv with skids has a fatigue life problem, but its fixable. And its not like imported helis don't have this kind of problem or that Western nations didn't encounter these during their development cycles. But the step-motherly treatment is there for all to see
RM Parikkar would have cracked the whip. Rajnath Singh once claimed that knows that screwdrivergiri is not true Atmanirbhar. Yet, he happily parrots this lie. Maybe he has been co-opted or is just plain powerless
Oh yeah real puss!Y - He has me blocked on twitter... I think I hit them nerves often!
