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India is taking a major step towards self-reliance in defense technology with the development of a new indigenous naval utility helicopter.
The prototype, part of the Utility Helicopter Marine program, is currently under construction and is expected to make its maiden flight by May 2025.
This ambitious project aims to provide the Indian Navy with 111 versatile helicopters capable of operating from warships and at sea.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is leading the development and construction of this new helicopter, which is based on the design of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
However, officials emphasize that the modifications and structural changes are so extensive that the project is essentially developing an entirely new helicopter.
These changes include foldable rotor blades and a folding tail boom for efficient storage on naval vessels, a modified tail structure for seamless integration with warship hangars, and an advanced sensor suite including a nose-mounted surveillance radar.
The Utility Helicopter Marine (UHM) will play a critical role in enhancing the Indian Navy's operational capabilities. It will be deployed for a variety of missions, including personnel transport, cargo delivery, emergency evacuations, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, and logistics support.
This project highlights India's growing confidence in its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. Initially, the Indian Navy considered collaborating with a foreign helicopter manufacturer, but ultimately entrusted HAL with the program.
To ensure the seamless integration of onboard systems, HAL is conducting rigorous testing and certification on a separate test helicopter. "The aircraft are getting built and by next year in May, we should be able to fly. We are already testing the systems that have to be integrated on the helicopter," confirmed officials close to the program.
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