Bad news for China and Pakistan as 200 new light helicopters to now join the Indian Air Force, they are special because…,Chetak and Cheetah helicopters will now be..

New Delhi: In a significant development for the Indian Armed Forces and a matter of bad news for Pakistan and China, the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to replace its fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with about 200 modern light helicopters. As a part of the plan, the new helicopters, classified as Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH) will serve both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Here are all the details you need to know abut the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters and how they will help them in securing the border areas of China and Pakistan.

What are Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters?

With an expected requirement of 120 units for the Army and 80 for the Air Force, these helicopters will have multiple roles, operating day and night. As per a report carried by ANI news agency, the duties of the helicopter will include reconnaissance and surveillance, carrying small troops or Quick Reaction Teams for special missions, supporting ground operations with internal and external loads, scouting alongside attack helicopters, casualty evacuation including search and rescue, and aiding civil authorities when required.

Notably, the Indian Air Force had already planned to acquire more utility helicopters alongside other defence platforms in March.

How will Light Combat Helicopters help against China and Pakistan?

The Cabinet Committee on Security also approved the purchase of 156 Light Combat Helicopters worth over Rs 45,000 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Army and Air Force.
These 156 choppers, similar to the RSH, will be divided between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for operations along the China and Pakistan borders, the report by ANI said.

How is IAS focused on self-reliance in defence manufacturing?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) further emphasised that the IAF is focused on achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing and supporting the growth of the domestic defence industry. As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the IAF is working on indigenous production of fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, trainer aircraft, air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, surface-to-air guided weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, and radars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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