The Indian Army has unveiled plans to procure up to 1,000 new surveillance helicopters aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities in high-altitude border regions.
A request for information was recently issued to define technical requirements and evaluate potential solutions, signaling the start of a comprehensive procurement process.
As outlined in the request, the helicopters must be capable of operating at an altitude of up to 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) and endure harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it should be equipped with advanced day and night cameras for real-time intelligence and surveillance.
Vendors are encouraged to emphasize modular design in their proposals, ensuring future upgrades can be made without significant structural modifications.
The new helicopters are expected to be deployed primarily along India’s tense borders with China and Pakistan, enhancing territorial monitoring and enabling swift responses to emerging security threats.
Adapting to Modern Needs
The acquisition is part of India’s broader strategy of modernizing its defense forces and promoting self-reliance in defense production.
Currently, the Indian Army relies on a mix of foreign platforms for high-altitude surveillance, such as the Israeli-made Heron drones that can reach an altitude of up to 35,000 feet (10,668 meters).
The procurement of indigenously-built helicopters is envisioned to address operational challenges at critical elevations and in tough weather conditions.
Potential vendors for this ambitious project include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Mahindra Defence Systems Limited, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
“In today’s rapidly evolving security environment, we must continuously upgrade our military capabilities because our adversaries are equally advancing theirs, so we have to keep increasing our technology and combat capabilities,” Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi told India Today TV.
