Airbus, the European aerospace manufacturer, is offering its H125 helicopter as a potential replacement for the Kamov Ka-226T, a Russian-made helicopter that India had planned to acquire. The Indo-Russian deal, involving nearly 200 helicopters, has stalled, creating an opportunity for other manufacturers.
The Indian Army and Air Force need approximately 400 light helicopters to support their operations. The original plan was split: 200 twin-engine Kamov Ka-226Ts were to be purchased from Russia and assembled in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and another 200 single-engine Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) were to be indigenously designed and built by HAL.
Both types were slated for production at HAL's facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, supporting India's "Make in India" initiative for self-reliance in defence.
The deal for the Kamov Ka-226T has been repeatedly delayed. Factors contributing to the impasse include geopolitical concerns, disagreements over pricing, and complexities surrounding the transfer of technology. Because of that, Airbus is promoting its H125 as a ready-to-use option that can be adjusted to meet India's operational needs.
The Airbus H125 is a single-engine helicopter used globally for both civilian and military roles. Airbus is reportedly adapting the H125 to meet the Indian Army's demands, including high-altitude performance, the ability to operate in rough terrain, and overall cost-effectiveness.
The H125 has a maximum operating altitude of 23,000 feet (7,000 meters), slightly higher than HAL's LUH, which has a service ceiling of approximately 21,000 feet (6,500 meters). This higher operational ceiling could be beneficial in the Himalayan region, where the Indian armed forces have a significant presence.
However, Airbus might face some hurdles. The H125, being a single-engine design, directly competes with HAL's domestically developed LUH. The LUH has undergone extensive testing in India's high-altitude environments, including areas like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
The LUH was also specifically made with the suggestions from Indian Armed Forces. This gives the LUH a significant advantage that the H125 currently lacks.
While the H125's operational altitude is an advantage, its lack of real-world testing in India's extreme high-altitude conditions could be a concern for Indian military decision-makers.
The Indian Army and Air Force need helicopters that can operate reliably in the challenging environment of the Himalayas. HAL's LUH, having been rigorously tested in these conditions, may be viewed as a more strategically sound option.
Further, the original procurement plan centered around a twin-engine helicopter (the Ka-226T), which provides enhanced safety and redundancy, crucial for operations in difficult terrain. Because both, the H125 and LUH are with single-engine platforms, may create difficulties for Airbus.
Airbus's proposal comes as India seeks to diversify its defence procurement and lessen its reliance on Russia, its traditional supplier. Airbus already has a presence in India, with plans to manufacture the H125 locally with an Indian partner, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative.
However, HAL's existing role as the manufacturer for both the Ka-226T (if the deal revives) and the LUH presents a significant challenge to Airbus's ambitions, as HAL is a key player in India's defence manufacturing sector.
