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The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs), simulators, and related equipment for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. As per the official information released on the Indian Navy’s official website, 51 helicopters will be deployed by the Navy, and 25 will be used by the Coast Guard. The acquisition will be made under the Buy & Make (Indian) category and is aimed at strengthening maritime search and rescue, coastal defence operations, and disaster relief.
Details on the roles and capabilities of the NUHs
As per the RFI, the NUHs must have the capability to conduct a variety of missions by day and night. This will include Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), communication duties, Low intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) casualty and medical evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), aerial firefighting, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The helicopters are expected to operate in all weather conditions from both shore bases and ships.
Terms and conditions for vendors
To be eligible, the platform will be required to have at least five years of proven experience with a navy or marine force in full configuration. The technical needs have been specified as a maximum all-up weight of 5,500 kg, twin engines, wheeled landing gear, a rotor system, and blade fold ability for stowage onboard ships ( for storing equipment). For the role of LIMO, integration of weapons like 12.7 mm heavy machine guns or 7.62 mm medium machine guns will be needed.
As per the RFI proposed by the Indian Navy, the procurement will follow a Single Stage -Two bid system. Under this, the vendors will be required to submit both the technical and commercial offers in separate sealed envelopes. Vendors that will obtain clearance from the Technical Evaluation Committee will have to undergo Field Evaluation Trials (FET) in India on a no-cost, no-commitment basis. In the next process, the Naval headquarters will then conduct staff assessments before shortlisting equipment.
Additionally, the selected vendor will also have to supply long-term product support, including spares, jigs, and devices for maintenance. An integrity pact, earnest money deposit, and a performance -cum-warranty bond equal to 5% of the deal are compulsory. The government has also shown interest in obtaining Transfer of Technology (ToT) for licensed production in India.
Interested vendors need to submit their responses by October 17, 2025, to the Directorate of Aircraft Acquisition, Naval Headquarters in New Delhi.
