The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs), news agency ANI reported on Sunday. Of these, 51 will be inducted by the Navy, while 25 are planned for the Indian Coast Guard.
The acquisition will be made under the Buy and Make (Indian) category and is aimed at strengthening maritime search and rescue, coastal defence operations, and disaster relief.
Naval utility helicopters for maritime operations
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), Casualty and medical evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), communication duties, Low intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and aerial firefighting. The helicopter should be capable of operating from ships and ashore in all weather conditions by day and night.
Terms and conditions for vendors
The helicopter should have been in service with the navy or Marine services for at least five years in the 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.
The helicopter should be capable of operating from ships and ashore in all weather conditions by day and night. Towards LIMO capability, sensors and weapons (12.7 mm HMG and/or 7.62 mm MMG) to meet the envisaged role would need to be integrated with the helicopter by the vendor.
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. The Commercial Offer needs to be 'Firm and Fixed' with a validity of at least 18 months from the date of submission of the offers. The technical offers would be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation
Committee (TEC) to verify compliance with the RFP.
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.
