India’s helicopter history started with licensed production and import of Soviet-era and Western models. The iconic Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the 1990s, represented a significant leap as an indigenous platform for multiple roles—troop transport, reconnaissance, and limited weapons payload. However, the journey was not without setbacks. In early 2025, a fatal accident involving an ALH Mk III led to the grounding of the entire Dhruv fleet nationwide. This was a severe blow, revealing gaps in testing and operational safety standards. Yet it also galvanized HAL and the defence establishment to strengthen quality assurance and safety protocols.
Alongside Dhruv, India relied heavily on imported and license-produced Mil Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, Cheetah, Chetak light utility helicopters, and French-origin Dauphins for naval and coast guard roles. These platforms served faithfully but were aging and increasingly unsuitable for modern, high-altitude warfare and network-centric operations.
Current Major Helicopter Programs: The Push for Modernization and Indigenization
- Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH)
The IMRH program is HAL’s ambitious project to replace Mi-17 options with a medium-lift multirole helicopter sized between 8-12 tons. As of mid-2025, the program is gearing up for prototype development, with flight tests expected by 2027-28 and induction slated for around 2030. It features modern technologies like composite rotor blades, retractable landing gear, and digital engine controls. This program also includes a naval variant, the Deck-Based Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH), designed for anti-submarine and surface warfare—vital for India’s growing blue-water navy capabilities. IMRH plans to fulfill an estimated requirement of 550 helicopters across Army, Air Force, and Navy. - Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) – Prachanda
The LCH is the world’s first dedicated indigenous attack helicopter designed for high-altitude and mountain warfare. Having crossed initial production phases, it is set to deliver 156 upgraded units to Army and Air Force by 2033. The new variants will acquire next-gen weapon systems like indigenous air-to-ground missiles, electronic warfare suites, nuclear detection capabilities, and obstacle avoidance systems. Its operational versatility in close air support and anti-armour roles is a key asset in border conflict scenarios. - Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
Developed as a replacement for the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, LUH serves multiple utility roles with agility and modern avionics. It has begun serial deliveries, fulfilling reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and limited transport roles mostly in mountainous terrain. - Boeing AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
India procured six AH-64Es to add a formidable anti-armour strike capability. After significant delays due to technical issues and supply chain disruptions, the first batches began delivery in 2025. The Apache program adds critical operational experience in integrating foreign high-tech helicopters into Indian military doctrine. - Surveillance and Reconnaissance Helicopters
The Indian Army is in the process of acquiring hundreds of modern light helicopters optimized for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and special operations support, addressing capability gaps exposed in recent border conflicts. - Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH)
HAL is developing a naval-focused helicopter variant capable of shipboard anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, featuring foldable rotors and extended ranges. Prototype first flight is expected imminently, signaling India’s drive to build comprehensive naval aviation tools indigenously.
Lessons, Setbacks, and Path Ahead
The Indian helicopter programme highlights the challenges of balancing ambitious indigenization goals with the demand for reliability and performance. Early setbacks like the Dhruv crash underscored the need for rigorous testing, quality assurance, and safety culture reforms. Delays in foreign acquisitions like the Apache helicopters also remind policymakers that supply chain security and tight diplomacy are critical.
Nevertheless, the continuing progress of programs like IMRH and LCH, along with the newly established HAL helicopter factory at Tumkur, promise a future where India can meet its diverse rotorcraft needs domestically. Combining lessons from early failures with cutting-edge design and international partnerships, India’s helicopter fleet modernization stands as an exemplar of defence self-reliance and strategic resilience in a complex security environment.
