India's New Airborne Powerhouse: HAL's IMRH Unveiled with Lethal Firepower

India's drive for defense self-reliance takes a major leap forward with the unveiling of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) upcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). This powerful 13-ton, medium-lift helicopter boasts impressive multi-role capabilities and a deadly punch when configured for combat.

Initial computer-generated models of the IMRH reveal a sleek design optimized for both battlefield operations and transport missions. Crucially, the model showcases an optional armament configuration with at least three hardpoints on each side, enabling it to carry up to 1,500 kg of external weapons. This opens up possibilities for the IMRH to be equipped with deadly dual ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) racks, rocket pods capable of firing 57mm and 80mm unguided rockets, and even a nose-mounted 20mm cannon.

The development of the IMRH is a testament to India's growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing. This versatile helicopter promises to be a game-changer, fulfilling diverse battlefield roles that include troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support in combat missions.

With its flexible design and potential for significant firepower, HAL's IMRH signals India's intent to strengthen its air capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign defense suppliers. The IMRH is a powerful symbol of India's ambition to become a major player in aerospace and defense technology.

 

[Sandeep]

This program is also lagging , we take decades to complete the programs. Blame should go to the current government and also defense forces, DRDO.

How is it the government fault if our own scientists and workers develop things too slowly? Governments can't develop the weapons and products can they?

 

[Sandeep]

How DRDO 🙄 ? It's under HAL and CCS approval is pending as no private partner is interested to make prototype and lead the project under SPV model when government sanctioning funds for prototypes

The helicopter is still under development and they are finalising the engine deal with France and price negotiations so sanctioning funds when a project isn't even ready wastes that money as it could be used for another project that needs money. When the time comes they will sanction the funds when the project is ready.

 

[Sandeep]

For that CCS approval is pending, Government is trying to find private partner under SPV model but no private partner is coming ahead even when government gonna sanction funds for prototypes , what to say 🥲

That's absolute lies. Show me your source? They are still developing the helicopter along with finalising the engine deal and cost negotiations with France. So the project isn't even ready for CCS approval yet. Also they aren't waiting for the SPV as this is a HAL project that they have developed. If the private companies want to manufacture the entire helicopter then they will come forward but if not they can continue to manufacture parts, components and technology that they have experience in and supply it. Then HAL mostly just assembles and certifies it.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very important project as there is a large requirement for transporting people and supplies mainly. While they can add a weapon station to it this limits the amount and type of weapons it can carry along with it. If we need a urgent need then they should only make a limited amount like 1-2 squadrons.

We should develop a brand new medium attack helicopter like the Apache helicopters which has radar, carry more missiles, ATGM, gun, air to air missiles, small unguided and guided rockets, flares or chaff to protect us against missile, heavy engine, wheels, large fuel tanks etc etc. We should develop this like the Prachand helicopter as a dedicated attack helicopters because even the Rudra helicopter had limits.

 

[Amit Kumar]

On a lighter note India should consider exporting scale modes and computer generated images of defence equipments.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

For that CCS approval is pending, Government is trying to find private partner under SPV model but no private partner is coming ahead even when government gonna sanction funds for prototypes , what to say 🥲

See, this is exactly the problem. Brandishing the IMRH as if it is already ready, its features etc, when the relity is that we have no clue how to go about it.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

That's absolute lies. Show me your source? They are still developing the helicopter along with finalising the engine deal and cost negotiations with France. So the project isn't even ready for CCS approval yet. Also they aren't waiting for the SPV as this is a HAL project that they have developed. If the private companies want to manufacture the entire helicopter then they will come forward but if not they can continue to manufacture parts, components and technology that they have experience in and supply it. Then HAL mostly just assembles and certifies it.

🙄 you don't follow Journalists on twitter , who talk with HAL , IAF & other officials ?

Even in the case of ALH , IAF asked to produce Panther helicopters by a private vendor to get the Knowledge and expertise but ALH was almost ready , Then government asked if you want expertise then develop ALH and get TOT through HAL but who is making ALH now ?

Same with AMCA , where is Private vendor now ? Government giving 100% funds for prototype development...

It seems people Here rely on articles from Google only , they don't follow defence channels , People who work in Janes , Media channels and other prominent and well known defence journalists

 

[Gagandeep Singh]

Well understand how development happens in India in this sector - We make ALH, then we modify it to Light Attack Helo( HAL Rudra), then on the basis of technologies devloped we make LCH while testing new advancements on first Rudra and after its validation - Prachand.

Similarly, first IMRH would be developed - with capabilities of multi-role just like ALH followed by a dedicated medium category attack helo, while it's technologies would be tested on Armed IMRH

US Army has cancelled Future Attack and Recon Aircraft (FARA) for which Sikorsky's Raider X and Bell 360 Invictus were competing. So there will be even less use of attack helicopters 20 years from now against near peer threats like Pakistan and China. Russia-Ukraine war has shown that drones can do this task more cost effectively. And on top of that if it is not a dedicated attack helicopter, there is no point in hanging bells and whistles on a transport helicopter.