These helicopters will replace Chetak Helicopters and will be used for albeit SAR, CASEVAC, light anti-submarine warfare (ASW), light anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and personnel transfer.
95 helicopters out of 111 will be manufactured in India by the selected Indian Strategic Partner.
The case was approved by DAC on 25 Aug 18. The project intends to replace the aged fleet of SA 319 B Chetak light utility helicopters, a licensed version of the Aerospatiale Alouette III manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) since 1975.
According to previous statements, the contract would be worth US$3 billion for 111 helicopters in the 4.5-ton category. The selected platform will be fitted with rocket pods and 12.7 mm machine guns.
The Request for EoI from Indian private companies for participating in the project has been hosted on the MoD/Indian Navy website on 12 Feb 19. However, the Request for EoI from foreign OEMs has been forwarded to companies that participated in the RFI deliberations. The OEMs have been mandated to set up dedicated manufacturing line, including design, integration and manufacturing processes for NUH in India and make Indian Manufacturing Line as a global exclusive facility for the NUH platform being offered.
Whilst Indian companies have been given two months to respond to the EoI, the foreign OEMs have been given three months for responding due to the nature of inputs required. High level of indigenisation i.e. about 60% of the helicopter is desired through the NUH project.
The RFP for procurement is likely to be issued towards the end of third quarter of this year to the shortlisted Indian companies.
