Government to procure 22 attack helicopters for IAF

07 June 2008

Mumbai: The government has set in motion a competition process to procure 22 attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force and has sought request for proposals from seven companies.

The companies have three months to respond to the more than $500 million requirement, the latest in a series of tenders aimed at modernising the service by the middle of the next decade.

The Air Force hopes to sign a contract within two years and complete deliveries within a further three-year period.

The Indian Air Force has been asking for new attack helicopters for some time and the tender is to replace its aging Mil Mi-35 fleets.

Requirements include a twin-engined helicopter that is highly manoeuvrable, has anti-armour capabilities, and is able to deploy turret guns, rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

An ability to operate in all weather and terrain is also a requirement, along with the use of an electronic warfare self-protection suite.