Indian Navy issues tender for 16 advanced, multi-role helicopters
12 Sep 2008
The Indian Navy has issued a tender for 16 advanced, multi-role naval helicopters to companies including AgustaWestland, EADS and Sikorsky. According to reports, this initial order may likely expand by another 44 units into a full order of 60 such helos.
According to defence ministry sources, the new helos will be equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare equipment, including cruise missiles and torpedoes and will also be capable of being re-fuelled in flight.
The helos will be ship-borne and land-based, they said.
The navy also plans to acquire five more Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters and is exploring the possibility of conducting mid-life upgrades on its Ka-28 and Westland Sea King transport helicopters.