HAL to Deliver 419 IMRH Helicopters: 353 for Army/IAF to Replace Aging Mi-17s, 66 Deck-Based for Navy to Enhance Maritime Capabilities

In a major boost for India's defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver 419 Indian Multi-Role Helicopters (IMRH), significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, and Indian Navy. This ambitious procurement plan includes 353 IMRH units for the IAF and Army, and 66 deck-based variants specifically designed for naval operations.

The IMRH program, spearheaded by the IAF in close coordination with the Indian Army, aims to replace the aging fleet of Mi-17 helicopters. The IMRH boasts enhanced capabilities in terms of payload, range, and high-altitude operation, making it suitable for diverse operational needs.

The IMRH is a versatile, twin-engine medium-lift helicopter designed for a multitude of roles, including troop transport, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistics support. Its development emphasizes indigenous technology, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

HAL has been developing the IMRH for several years, with the first production models expected to roll out by the end of this decade. This timeline aligns with the planned phasing out of the Mi-17 fleet, ensuring a smooth transition to the new helicopters.

The Indian Navy will lead the development of the deck-based multi-role helicopter (DBMRH), a heavier version of the IMRH adapted for naval operations. This variant will be crucial for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and other maritime-specific missions.

The DBMRH will incorporate features like blade folding for compact storage on ships, enhanced corrosion resistance for maritime environments, and specialized avionics for naval operations, ensuring seamless operation from aircraft carriers and other naval vessels.

This large-scale procurement of IMRH helicopters represents a significant step forward in India's military modernization and its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. The collaboration between HAL, the IAF, the Indian Army, and the Navy in this endeavour showcases a unified approach to strengthening India's defence capabilities across all domains.

 

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[adix43]

but is HTSE with more power ready yet? please dont say we will depend on someone for this?

 

[sanket]

419 IMRH, that's a very big no. With all 3 tri-services commonality with specific needs, HAL is doing good with designing and developing choppers indigenously. Having a naval chopper indigenously would be a great achievement with all three flying indigenously developed helo-engines with HAL holding IPR.

 

[Mango_Indian]

First correction - The Mi-17 is not an ageing fleet. They are less than 10 years old and the IAF has close to 220 plus Mi17V5 version. The Mi17 V5 is very reliable and has no issues whatsoever, other than pilot error. And it costs much lesser than even Dhruv which is a smaller class helicopter.

Second - HAL Helicopter unit has been the most successfull division till date, both in terms of units produced and the maturity of the designs - Prachand, Dhruv, Rudra and upcoming LUH. However, the challenge is that most of these are mostly imported components being assembled by HAL resulting in Indian helicopters being more expensive than similar Western helicopters.

In 2010, as per CAG report, the Dhruv was 90% by value imported. Today, in 2024, after assembling 400 helicopters, the indigenization level is at 40% odd. The aim is to reach 50% indigenization in the next 2-3 years.Recent order of 34 units ordered by MoD for Coast Guard costs 8,073 crores or $ 970 Mill. Approx 28 Mill per helicopter. More than the Agusta Westland AW169.

Third - Not a single crucial system - engine, transmission, rotors, avionics are made in India. After 30 years of this helicopter being "made" in India. Not only that - a few years back, the Dhruv faced a issue of metal turnings coming out from its transmission. HAL called an Italian helicopter engineering consultancy to resolve this issue. Imagine the "expertise" we have.

What are we going to do about this?

 

[desigandu]

Great - 2 questions
1. Can IMRH go into limited series production by 2030? If not then why and can we accelerate it?
2. Can HAL produce 50 helos per year from 2030 of IMRH, besides its other commitments? If not is there a viable plan to scale it up, given at least 500 are needed by Military, which eventually could scale to 1000! Say 50 per year for 1000 helos is a 20 year production run!

 

[Kira]

@Mango_Indian

That is true, but only for the latest variants procured in the early to mid-2010s. Earlier non-V5 variants purchased during the 2000s would be nearing about three decades of operational service by the mid-2030s when, hopefully, the IMRH is ready for serial production.

Also, it may take a good part of the entire decade for HAL to produce about 400 units of IMRH, beginning from the early 2030s to 2040s.

It's not like all the Mi-17s would be retired at a moment's notice when the first batch of IMRH enters production.

 

[Sandeep]

The military will need more helicopters than that. We will need at least double that amount as we need to expand our capabilities on the LAC, Bangladesh and Myanmar borders. Those are emerging threats so we need to expand our capabilities and operations. Also we need to replace our older helicopters and developing them indigenously is the best and most affordable option.