HAL Receives Request for Proposal from Defence Ministry for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received RFP from the Defence Ministry to procure 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters, valued at ₹45,000 crore. Read more for detailed information.
Nigam Sharma18 Jun, 2024
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HAL Receives Request for Proposal from Defence Ministry for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore: The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), valued at ₹45,000 crore. This move is a significant step in bolstering India's defense capabilities with homegrown technology. Read about this news in detail through this article.
HAL Receives Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters: Key Details
The recent RFP outlines the specifics of the procurement, detailing the distribution and announcement protocol for the Light Combat Helicopters. This proposal marks a major milestone for HAL and the Indian armed forces.- Recipients: 90 helicopters for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Announcement: HAL informed the stock exchanges on Monday about receiving the RFP under SEBI regulations.
HAL Receives Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters: Next Steps in the Procurement Process
After receiving the RFP, HAL will proceed through several stages to finalize the deal. These steps include submitting a price quote and undergoing thorough cost negotiations.- Price Quotation: HAL will provide a price quote to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
- Cost Negotiations: Following the quote, detailed cost negotiations will be held.
- Approval: The final deal will need the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security before signing.
HAL Receives Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore: Previous Contracts and Approvals
The Indian Army and Air Force have already engaged in prior contracts for limited series production of LCHs. These contracts were part of an initial phase aimed at strengthening India's aerial combat capabilities.-
Initial Contract:
The Army and IAF have already contracted 15 LCH from a limited series production, approved in March 2020.
- Cost: ₹3,887 crore for helicopters plus ₹377 crore for infrastructure.
- Allocation: 10 for IAF and 5 for the Army.
- Recent Approval: The Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 156 LCH last November.
HAL Receives Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore: Induction of Apache Helicopters
In addition to the LCHs, the Indian Army is also preparing to enhance its attack helicopter fleet with the induction of Apache helicopters. This addition will bolster the Army's combat readiness, particularly in challenging terrains.- AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters: The Army is preparing to induct six contracted Apache helicopters from May onwards, deploying them in the desert sector.
Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter
The Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a state-of-the-art twin-engine combat helicopter, developed specifically to meet the unique operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Originating from the urgent need identified during the 1999 Kargil conflict, the LCH is tailored for high-altitude warfare and can operate effectively in challenging terrains like the Siachen Glacier. With capabilities such as landing and taking off at altitudes of 5,000 meters while carrying a significant load of weapons and fuel, the LCH significantly enhances the firepower and versatility of the Indian Army and Air Force.Design and Development
The LCH has a rich history of development, originating from the need for a specialized combat helicopter capable of high-altitude operations. This section highlights the key features and unique capabilities of the LCH.- Conceptualization: The twin-engine LCH, a 5-8 tonne class dedicated combat helicopter, was conceptualized post the 1999 Kargil conflict to meet the need for high-altitude operations.
- Unique Capability: It is the only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) with significant weapon and fuel load.
Specifications and Features
The LCH is equipped with advanced technology and armament, making it a formidable asset in the Indian Armed Forces' arsenal. Here are some key specifications and features.- Combat Radius: 500 km.
- Service Ceiling: 21,000 feet, making it ideal for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier.
- Armament: The LCH is armed with a 20mm nose gun, 70 mm rockets, anti-tank guided missile ‘Dhruvastra’, and air-to-air missile ‘Mistral-2’ with a maximum interception range of 6.5 km.
HAL Receives Request for Proposal from Defence Ministry for 156 Light Combat Helicopters Worth ₹45,000 Crore FAQs
Q1. What is the significance of HAL receiving the RFP from the Defence Ministry?
Ans. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) receiving the RFP underscores a major step towards bolstering India's defence capabilities through indigenous technology. It signals the government's commitment to enhancing the armed forces' operational readiness.
Q2. How many helicopters are included in the RFP and for which branches of the military?
Ans. The RFP is for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters, with 90 allocated to the Indian Army and 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Q3. What is the estimated value of the RFP for 156 Light Combat Helicopters?
Ans. The total estimated worth of the RFP is ₹45,000 crore.
Q4. What are the next steps after HAL receives the RFP?
Ans. HAL will prepare and submit a detailed price quote to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Subsequently, negotiations on costs and terms will follow, leading up to the final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Q5. How does this RFP contribute to indigenous defence manufacturing?
Ans. The RFP encourages indigenous production capabilities through HAL, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.
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