The Azerbaijan State News Agency

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INDIAN NAVY TO GET 56 NEW HELICOPTERS

09.08.2010 [22:47]
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Baku, August 9 (AZERTAC). The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of 56 naval light utility helicopters, which will cost nearly Rs 7,000 crore.

These helicopters will replace the existing Chetaks in service.

With the DAC clearing the helicopter purchase deal, tenders will formally be floated within the next few months.

At present, the Indian Navy requires a twin-engine helicopter of modern airframe design and fully integrated advanced avionics to replace its aging fleet of Chetaks, which were inducted over 30 years ago.

According to the request for proposal, the Navy wants choppers with twin controls for both pilots, but at the same time it should be capable of being operated by a single pilot also.

The other requirements are the ability to carry out anti-submarine warfare operations with torpedoes and depth charges, besides being suitable for anti-piracy and anti-terrorism roles.