India's indigenous Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme, which seeks to replace the Russian-origin Mi-17 fleet, is set to enter a very important phase, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) expected to consider the proposal for its design and development.
Sources quoted by CNBC Awaaz said the costing committee has cleared an allocation of ₹13,500 crore for the design and development of the medium-lift helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The proposal will now be placed before the CCS for approval. The first phase of the programme will focus on the design and development of the helicopter.
The IMRH is expected to have around 75 per cent domestic content.
Originally conceived as a 10-tonne-class helicopter to meet the requirements of all three services, the IMRH has since evolved into a 13-tonne platform designed to perform a range of military missions. These include air transport and assault, VIP transport, combat logistics, troop transport and combat search and rescue operations.
The programme assumes significance as the Indian military continues to depend heavily on the ageing Russian-origin Mi-17 family of helicopters for its medium-lift requirements. The IMRH is being developed as an indigenous platform capable of eventually taking over these roles.
The report about the IMRH moving towards CCS approval comes days after another major development concerning the helicopter programme.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have announced plans to jointly design, develop and manufacture the Aravalli engine, which will power the IMRH as well as its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Design and development of the Aravalli engine is expected to be completed by 2032-33.
The preliminary design of the IMRH is nearly complete. Configuration studies for the DBMRH are also progressing towards completion.
The expected CCS approval for the ₹13,500-crore design-development phase will be a significant step in moving the IMRH programme forward as India works towards developing an indigenous replacement for its Russian-origin Mi-17 fleet.
