In a monumental stride towards autonomy in aviation technology, the forthcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) is being engineered to secure over 75% indigenous content prior to the commencement of full-scale manufacturing.
This development, confirmed by sources within the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the aerospace industry, signifies a watershed moment for the sector.
It will be the first instance of an Indian-designed rotorcraft exceeding the critical 70% indigenisation threshold at the design stage, surpassing all previous platforms manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and heralding the maturity of India’s defence aerospace ecosystem.
The IMRH is a 12.5-tonne, twin-engine platform developed jointly by HAL and private-sector partners through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model. It is specifically designed to succeed the ageing Soviet-origin Mi-17 and Mi-17V5 fleets currently serving the IAF, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.
With a projected requirement of over 550 units in the first decade of production alone, the programme is being positioned as the vanguard of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the rotorcraft domain.
A Strategic Departure from Historical Trends
The path to high indigenisation in India’s helicopter sector has historically been incremental.For context, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, arguably India’s most successful indigenous platform, debuted with approximately 45% indigenous systems, slowly increasing this ratio through decades of upgrades.
Similarly, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), currently in its Limited Series Production (LSP) phase, also features roughly 45% local content, with a target to reach 55% as production stabilizes.
The IMRH programme represents a decisive shift in this philosophy. Rather than relying on retrospective upgrades, HAL and the Indian armed forces are collaborating from the blueprint stage to maximise the use of domestic subsystems, avionics, and structural materials.
This forward-looking strategy ensures that India’s future medium-lift capability will not be tethered to foreign supply chains.
Comprehensive System Indigenisation
To achieve this ambitious target, several critical technologies are being developed domestically.Key focus areas include:
- Advanced Avionics: Mission computers, cockpit electronics, and display systems.
- Communication & Navigation: Secure, indigenous communication suites and navigation hardware.
- Flight Control: Hydraulic systems and flight control assemblies.
- Structural Integrity: Core mechanical assemblies, airframe structures, and extensive use of composite materials.
- Power Management: Electrical and power distribution systems.
New Developments: The 'Aravalli' Engine and Naval Variant
Adding to the project's indigenous credentials, recent open-source developments highlight the engine programme.The IMRH will be powered by the 'Aravalli' engine, which is being co-developed by SAFHAL Helicopter Engines—a joint venture between HAL and the French aerospace major Safran.
This collaboration ensures that even the powerplant, traditionally a bottleneck for Indian aviation, will have significant Indian intellectual property and manufacturing input.
Furthermore, a specialised naval variant known as the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) is being developed in parallel.
Tailored for the Indian Navy, the DBMRH will feature unique modifications such as folding blades for ship-deck storage and specialised maritime sensors, further expanding the platform's utility.
Future Operational Role
The IMRH is slated to become the primary medium-lift workhorse for the Indian military for the next four decades.It is designed to perform a diverse array of missions, including troop transport, tactical assault, VVIP transport, logistics support, and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
With a payload capacity of 4–5 tonnes, it matches the operational envelope of the fleet it replaces while offering superior modern technology.
By ensuring 75% indigenous systems from day one, the IMRH is set to become the most self-reliant helicopter ever produced in India, eclipsing the benchmarks set by the ALH Dhruv and LCH.
As the Indian military prepares to retire its legacy platforms, the IMRH stands not merely as a replacement, but as a testament to India’s growing prowess as a competitive global manufacturer of complex defence hardware.
Current timelines suggest the prototype could fly by 2028-29, with induction following in the early 2030s.
