India Issue RFI For 200 New Reconnaissance Choppers to Replace Ageing Chetak and Cheetah Helicopters

The Union Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 200 light helicopters designed specifically for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The helicopters—120 for the Indian Army and 80 for the Indian Air Force—are intended to replace the ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, which have been in service since the 1960s.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the reliability and serviceability of these decades-old platforms. Many of the Cheetahs and Chetaks are between 30 and 50 years old, with the Army currently operating around 190 units, and about 25 of them always under maintenance at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This results in a 37% shortage in operational capability, significantly hampering real-time surveillance, troop support, and medical evacuation missions—especially in high-altitude regions like Siachen.

The new RFI outlines the requirement for multi-role light helicopters that can perform operations both day and night, and support reconnaissance, surveillance, special troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and even civil assistance. The Indian Army and IAF are looking for helicopters that capable of handling India's diverse and challenging terrains, especially near the borders with China and Pakistan.

A vendor interaction session is scheduled for August 22, 2025, and the final date for submission of responses is October 18, 2025. The RFI aims to identify qualified domestic and international suppliers, potentially encouraging joint ventures between Indian defence firms and global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). This aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, which promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.

In addition to this RFI, the Ministry of Defence has approved the purchase of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from HAL in a deal valued at over ₹45,000 crore. These attack helicopters will work in tandem with the upcoming surveillance fleet to secure high-threat zones along India's borders.

Meanwhile, HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)—which has already completed initial flight tests—is expected to play a key role in the broader replacement plan. However, delays in certification and production scaling mean that full induction of LUH could still take several years. With HAL's current production capacity limited to about 30 LUHs per year, replacing the entire Cheetah-Chetak fleet could take over a decade.

Given the urgent operational needs, especially in forward areas, the Defence Ministry is also exploring leasing options as an interim solution. The Indian Air Force, too, is advancing on multiple fronts with indigenous upgrades to fighters, transport aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters, reinforcing a long-term self-reliance strategy.

This fresh RFI not only signifies India’s shift towards advanced and self-sustained defence capabilities, but also reflects the country’s strategic intent to reduce dependence on ageing imports and build a resilient aerospace ecosystem at home. Once inducted, the 200 new reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters are expected to enhance operational readiness and sharpen India’s surveillance edge in critical zones across the subcontinent.