Indian Army Set to Replace Aging Cheetah and Chetak Fleet with HAL-Developed LUHs; Contract Finalization Expected By Mid-2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to secure a significant contract for the supply of its indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

This contract, expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025, marks a major step towards modernizing the Indian military's helicopter fleet, replacing the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters that have been in service since the World War II era.

The LUH, designed and developed by HAL's Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre, is specifically tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army Aviation Corps and the Indian Air Force.

It received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in February 2021, paving the way for its final certification.

A critical aspect of the LUH is its flight control system software, which is currently undergoing rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and performance. This software, comprising two main components—one for basic stabilization and the other for advanced flight control—has been successfully integrated into the LUH airframe. HAL is actively working to resolve any remaining issues and ensure the aircraft meets the stringent standards set by the Indian military.

Initially, HAL aims to deliver 12 LUHs—six each for the Indian Army and Air Force. This is just the first step in a larger plan to supply a total of 225 LUHs to the Army Aviation Corps, which is set to replace its aging fleet of Cheetah, Chetak, and Cheetal helicopters.

Negotiations are underway for the procurement of 110 LUHs, and once the contract is finalized, HAL will ramp up production to meet the demands of the Indian military.

This procurement program represents a significant step towards modernizing India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence technology.

The LUH, with its advanced features and adaptability to diverse operational environments, will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Army and Air Force in various missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation.

 

[Mango_Indian]

Is the autopilot issue resolved? That was holding up production release for last 3 odd years.

Also, what’s the indigenous component for LUH? HAL big shots were singing 70% by value indigenization few years back for the LUH. Would be interesting to know the actual figure.

 

[Enforcer]

I would rather have HAL sell the design and blueprints to a private company like TATA or L&T and have them build it and potentially improve it with their own money.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Nothing should be signed by the armed forces until the ALH issues are solved by HAL, and problems are fixed with help of experts from other OEMs, MRO specialists, private players and IITs

if we need LUH in a hurry, sign limited number of Ka-226T instead

LUH with single engine is riskier and if the ALH like issues arise there, the accidents will be more severe and frequent

 

[Sandeep]

Finally this is great news. There is a huge demand for these helicopters across the army, air force and navy as we need to replace all of the foreign and ancient Chetak or Cheetah helicopters which are way past their retiring age and are very dangerous to fly in now but it will still take time to replace all of them.

This helicopter will have over 70% indigenous content which is a very good start but they should be able to increase that rate even more as they continue to produce it. In order to save money and reduce the cost per unit the entire military should place a large bulk order. This will keep training and MRO facilities easier for our upcoming integrated theatre commands.