With as much diligence as India operates its armed forces divisions with its vast arsenal of equipment and personnel, helicopters have also been integrated here as one of the most important aspects of India’s military strength. Similar to the other top superpowers of the world, India too incorporates its helos across the Army, Navy and Air Force and is also considered as one of the strongest helicopter fleet. According to the Global Firepower Index 2023-2024, India ranks at 4th in the helicopter fleet strength world rankings with 869 units (dozens in order with add-ons) after the USA (5737 units), Russia (1547 units) and China (913 units). So hop on and explore the beasts that has made India to the 4th position in the helo world.
HAL Dhruv
Starting off with a light choice yet one of the most noteworthy contenders, the Dhruv is an utility helicopter indigenously designed and developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and is a resultant of the Advanced Light Helicopter programme, hence the name ALH. Since its operational debut in 2002, the Dhruv has been diversely designed for light utility, reconnaissance, light attack and escort, medical evacuation and civilian use variants, and all three armed divisions of Indian Armed Forces use it. It can ideally carry 12 passengers (extendable to 14) or a payload of upto 1500 kg. The Dhruv has multiple variants – Mk.1 as the initial batches which uses foreign procured engines, Mk.2 which is similar to the Mk.1 except for its improvised glass cockpit, Mk.3 featuring the indigenous engines and newer Electronic Warfare sensor suite and Mk.4 (a more dangerous beast coming later). The Mk.1 & 2 variants use two Turbomeca TM 332-2B2 turboshaft engines each capable of producing 807 kW and the Mk.3 & 4 use the HAL-tweaked Turbomeca-Shakti-1H turboshaft which has increased power production of upto 1068 kW each. The Mk.3 versions are now the go-to production model for all the three divisions due to their improvise flight sustainable capabilities and have been also inducted in the Coast Guard with an additional Marine Reconnaissance Mk.3 variant. The MR Mk.3 is capable of modern surveillance with marine recon as well as long-range search and rescue missions and features options to carry two ASW torpedoes.
There are reports of registered 20 Dhruv crashes in the last 10 years out of which more than 12 have been due to human errors/environmental reasons according to HAL. While no such platform has ever evaded accidents, Dhruv also lies in the same space and despite the accident reports, the HAL Dhruv is one of the most successful indigenous helos considering the utility platform capabilities and the export sales and recognition. Ecuador was one of the former users and Mauritius Police Forces use 3 ALHs as of 2023. An unknown number of Dhruvs are used by Maldives National Defence Force and Nepalese Army Air Service, while there’s also one light armed-utility tweaked unit of Dhruv being used by Israel on lease. Turkey and Peru use the Medical Crisis/Search and Rescue variants for their Health and Disaster Management Services fleets. In the Indian civilian space, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka state govts. along with Geological Survey of India (GSI), Oil & Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) and Ministry of Home Affairs are customers of this platform. As of January 2022, 335 Dhruvs have been built for both domestic and export purposes logging more than 340,000 hours.
HAL Rudra
The Rudra is the more advanced and armed version of the HAL Dhruv Mk.4 variants. The original Dhruv airframe and body designs have been retained to avoid excessive costs and introduce a fast production rate of attack platforms because at this time (2010-2015), the nation severely lacked armed platforms of choppers. That’s why Rudra had been designed keeping in mind the demand of light warfare/utility ops with the retention of the Dhruv Mk.3 EW sensor suits and introduction of the armaments with the advent of Mk.4. Due to the more advancements, its indigenization percentage is less that of the Dhruv but as a result of which, packs that firepower within itself. Along with the previously mentioned EW sensor package, it features an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), developed by Sweden’s Saab Group. It also features an Optical Electronic suite for reconnaissance and target acquisition made by Israel’s Elbit Systems, RWS-300/LWS-310 radar warning system and a MAW-300 missile approach warning system. The Rudra is also capable of carrying upto 14 passengers. It is powered by two Turbomeca-Shakti-1H turboshaft engine capable of producing 1068 kW each.
The Rudra has a maximum speed of 280 km/h, maximum range of 590km and a service ceiling of 20000 ft (6100 m). As one of the best armed utility helicopters, the Rudra is packed with a combination of French origin 20mm M621 cannon/Nexter THL-20 turret and 4 Mistral missiles/8 Dhruvastra anti-tank missiles/48 laser guided FZ275 rockets across its extended stub-wings on both sides. The platform has also exceeded the expectations in testing above 6000m with full payload and armaments. Furthermore according to the Navy requirement, its sensors were reportedly able to track enemy ships 14 km away. The naval platform has passed the tests with flying colours considering the anti-submarine warfare missions and can also carry anti-ship torpedoes and underwater shock charges.
According to the last official data in 2021 there were 91 Rudras in India’s arsenal which right now has probably gone much higher. Additional 50 more the Air Force and 25 for the Army were on order. Furthermore, a $1.1 billion deal for 48 Russian Mil Mi-17s was cancelled for induction of more Rudras for the Air Force and Special Operations Forces as a move to promote increased indigenization.
HAL Prachand
Being the strongest pillar in the Big 3 platforms made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Prachand is one of the most burning topics in the combat helicopter domain as HAL introduced India’s pride towards its first multi-role true attack helicopter in October 2022. Resultant of the Project LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), the Prachand is set to become a cornerstone in combat-guarding the high-altitude borders of China and Pakistan as this platform is now certified as the attack helicopter with the highest operational service ceiling (6500m). Equipped with a two-person tandem cockpit, it has been developed to excel in combat focusing both anti-infantry, anti-tank and ground support missions. The avionics are same with that of Rudra featuring the Saab Group radar warning system and Elbit Systems CoMPASS optoelectronic suite. Powered by the similar two Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turboshaft engines producing 1384 HP each, it is able to carry a maximum payload of 1750kg in weapons. The 1H1 Shakti engines are an upgrade from that of the 1H Dhruv engines and have been derived from the Safran Ardiden turboshaft engines. Bharat Electronics Limited has taken the deal to locally produce the licensed version of the Elbit Systems avionics. Prachand comes with an Automatic Flight Control System, Forward looking Infrared Imaging Sensor with laser rangefinder and designators for the gunner along with stealth profiling, armour protection and a digital camouflage system (working mechanism remains classified for obvious reasons).
Like the Rudra, the LCH Prachand also features the 20mm M621 autocannon/Nexter THL-20 turret. It comes with 4 hardpoints capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-tank missiles, precision guided bombs, cluster munition, unguided and guided rockets. The frontal cannon has been tested in both day and night conditions to successfully fire with utmost accuracy. Each hardpoint can carry a combination of the two short-range air-to-air Mistral missiles, four Dhruvastra anti-tank missiles or twelve FZ275 Laser Guided Rockets. Its 70mm LGRs come with High Explosive Warheads with impact fuze, 4.1kg warhead-tip explosive and Thales’ proven Semi-Active laser guidance system. Additionally for counter measures, it comes with Chaff and Flare Dispensers to evade incoming missiles/enemy gunfire.
A total of 156 LCH Prachands have been in the order list (90 for the Army, 66 for the Air Force). An initital batch of 19 LCHs are present in the arsenal, and although the number might be little greater, only 15 are reportedly in operational status and the rest of which are the combat prototypes. Delays in the original R&D and it being the newest indigenous aerial combat platform of HAL are the reasons for the low numbers but even then Nigeria and Argentina have already shown interest in buying this platform.
AH-64 Apache
India is home currently home to 22 AH-64E Apache Guardians and preparing for 6 additional Guardians – the undisputed king of the attack helicopter domain in current status of the world. Designed and developed by Boeing Defence, Space & Security, the Apache is a twin-turbo shaft, all-weather attack helicopter which is the mainstay of USA’s attack helo fleet along with 17 other nations and has is as proven in the battlefield unlike no other in the modern world. Powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines capable of producing 1690 hp each, the Apache has a maximum speed of 293 km/h, 480 km combat range and a 6100 m service ceiling. It comes with a very advanced combination of targeting system and enemy-detection radar sensor suite. With a significant part of avionics being digitally integrated, its Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM) enables it to transmit data to other ground stations resulting in the capability of interoperability between compatible weapon systems for attack and battlefield situational awareness. India’s Apaches are equipped with the latest Longbow radars which can locate up to 256 targets simultaneously within 50km and the Ground Fire Acquisition System can detect any ground based targets in all-weather all-light conditions in a 120 degrees frontal visual field.
Apache’s armaments come with a fearsome package. Its M230 Chain Gun – a 30mm round firing, single-barrel, electrically driven autocannon is the deadliest main gun of India’s helicopter fleet, packing a magazine of 1200 rounds with a maximum range of 4000m and fire rate of upto 650 rounds/min. It has four pylons on the two stub wings with an additional hardpoint for air-to-air missiles notably the AIM-92 Stinger short-range AAM. The conventional mainstay firearm of the platform are still the fin-stabilized unguided 70mm Hydra-70 rockets. The 4 main hardpoints can carry upto 76 Hydra 70 rockets. While the best option for its anti-tank and ground support missions are the AGM-Maverick missiles, India doesn’t have any deals with US for Mavericks as a reason of which, Israel-origin fire-and-forget Spike ATGMs are used which use a 34-55kg tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank warhead. And probably the strongest of its arsenal – the AGM-114 Hellfire missile. Apaches and Hellfires have now become an inseparable pair. Although India haven’t used it in actual combat, this $150,000 air-to-surface missile is among the best for anti-armour, counter-terrorism and hideout compromise. Hellfires are the reason for the falling heads of numerous High Value Targets (HVTs) in the US’ Global War on Terror across two decades.
Mil MI-24 Hind / Mi-35 Super Hind
Despite being an old dog now in comparison to the current battlefield modernizations, very few helicopters have reached the status of the Mi-24. Probably the best multi-role platform in this domain, the Mi-24 Hind is more accompanied with the term ‘Gunship’ rather than just a ‘helicopter’. Undergoing numerous upgrades since its operational start in 1969, Mi-17 currently holds the most battlefield experience (due to the global usage by 58 countries and respective wars etc.) which is a major reason India is still maintaining these old behemoths especially due to their reliability and the sheer number of firepower they are able to punch. Due to its additional purpose of being a utility/troop carrying purpose, it can withstand a takeoff weight of 12000 kg (including weapons and personnel). The Hind is powered by two Isotov TV3-117 turboshaft engines capable of producing 1600 kW power. It has a maximum speed of 335 km/h and a range of 450 km but has a capped service ceiling of 5000m as a result of which hinders in helping Apaches and Prachand in the highest battlefield borders of China and Pakistan above 6000m.
In comparison to Apaches or other modern attack helicopters like the AH-1Z Viper or the Russian Ka-52/Mi-28 etc., the Mil Mi-24 seriously lacks digitized cockpit controls, automated avionics and state-of-the-art radar capabilities. So it’s makes up these faults with the characteristics that make the Hind a ‘Flying Tank’. The Hind is known for its ruggedness and survivability in combat. It features extensive armor protection for the crew, critical systems, and vital components, enabling it to withstand significant damage from ground fire and hostile environments. The helicopter has the capacity to transport up to eight fully equipped troops, enabling it to provide rapid infantry deployment and extraction. The Hind’s design prioritizes durability and reliability, ensuring it can operate in harsh conditions for extended periods. It has been deployed in various climates and terrains, including deserts, jungles, and mountainous regions. This platform has a remarkable ability of flying at very low altitudes (as low as a tall truck in a road). While these features weren’t needed before, numerous videos of the ongoing Ukraine war showed its agility in low altitudes and low speeds which helps it in preventing height caps of different SAM radars.
The Mi-24 Hind features a 450-round holding twin-barrel Gsh-23L autocannon. Its two stub wings contain a total of 6-8 hardpoints. Additionally the cockpit windows can be mounted with Russian PKB machine guns. Each stub wing can carry two rocket launching pods capable of holding 32 UB-16 S-5 rockets or 64 YB-32 S-5 rockets. It can also carry the larger 240mm S-24 rockets which have a high-explosive blast fragmentation warheads capable of disintegrating into 4000 fragments and penetrating 30mm of armour.
Super Hind Upgrade Package – Despite an indigenization drive by LCH Prachand and reportedly India having only 15 Hinds (maintenance over-expenses and lending 4; then 2 again Hinds to Afghanistan), yet the remaining ones have undergone the upgradation package to Mi-35 SuperHinds. The cockpits have become compatible with Night Vision Equipment. An IAI Tamam Night Targeting System has been introduced – the same target acquisition system which is used in some of the models of the AH-1Z Viper. Shtrum-V ATGM is still in its main arsenal but the system has been also made compatible with the range-extended Spike ATGMs and the indigenous Nag ATGMs. Advanced helmet-mounted sights, FLIR camera and advanced GPS configurations have been introduced too.
SH-60 Seahawk (MH-60 Romeo)
The SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is the naval variant of the legendary Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter platform and is the latest new addition in India’s helo fleet as the country signed a deal for 24 units to be delivered by 2025. It is a multi-mission helicopter capable of handling anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation and is able to be deployed from any frigate, destroyer, cruiser, amphibious assault ship or aircraft carrier. The Romeo is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines capable of producing 1410 kW each resulting in a maximum speed of 270 km/h and 830 km range. India has specially bought the MH-60R Romeo variant to increase its anti-submarine warfare and marine search and rescue capabilities. The Romeo is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F Seahawk variants. It has state-of-the-art avionics made by the Owego Helo Systems division of Lockheed Martin, AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System made by ATK, AAS-44 Electro Optical System which integrates the Forward Looking Infared Camera and laser rangefinder made by Raytheon Technologies and a ALE-39 Decoy Dispenser and ALQ-144 infrared jammer made by BAE Systems. It also features a Rockwell Collins ARC-210 radio, Northrop Grumman’s LN-100G GPS-embedded inertial navigation system and an advanced airborne AN/AQS-22 sonar radar jointly developed by Thales and Raytheon.
MH-60R features a three different types of main guns namely the M60, M240 and a GAU-16/17A minigun although it isn’t open source info what actually is present in our variants. This deal comes with Mk54 torpedoes and Hellfire missiles for the platform. The Mk-54 is the stronghold weapon for the Romeo – a 324mm anti-submarine tornado made by Raytheon which uses active acoustic homing guidance systems. Although the full package hasn’t arrived yet, the MH60R is one of the best pieces of tech in Indian Navy’s Naval Air Arm.
CH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47I Chinook, a workhorse in the Indian Air Force’s fleet, boasts a range of characteristics and specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance. This tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of around 50,000 pounds and can carry a payload of over 10 tons. Powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, the Chinook can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 170 knots (196 mph) and has a range of about 740 km. Its versatility is evident in its ability to transport troops, artillery, and supplies to remote and challenging terrains, facilitated by its advanced avionics, state-of-the-art navigation systems, and a sophisticated autopilot feature. The Chinook’s tandem-rotor design provides exceptional lift capabilities, making it well-suited for high-altitude operations, and its large, rear ramp simplifies the loading and unloading of cargo. The two Honeywell Lycoming engines produce a staggering 3529 kW power each, making the aircraft able to carry an additional hangable payload of 22680 kg and an operational service ceiling of 6100m. The 15 Chinooks that India has were included the $3 billion deal with USA which also included the AH-64 Apaches.
Mil Mi-17 Hip
The Russian-origin Mil Mi-17, a versatile and robust helicopter, has played a crucial role in the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities. This medium-lift utility helicopter is known for its adaptability to various roles, including troop transport, cargo airlift, and medical evacuation. Powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines, the Mi-17 exhibits a commendable range of approximately 465 miles and a maximum speed of around 250 km/h (155 mph). Its spacious and flexible cabin design allows for the transportation of up to 36 troops or 4,000 kilograms of cargo. The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics and navigation systems, enhancing its all-weather and day-and-night operational capabilities. With its reliable and durable construction, the Mi-17 has demonstrated effectiveness in diverse terrains, from high-altitude regions to hot and humid environments, making it an integral part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet for both military and humanitarian missions.
India uses this platform for both transport and attack purposes. They can be fixed with disposable stub wings having a total of 6 hardpoints which include S-8 and 70mm rockets. Both sides can be also attached with window mounted 7.62mm light machine guns. In the latest 2023 upgrade, Mi-17’s original Russian steel armour is being swapped with an indigenously manufactured stronger armour containing a mixture of kevlar and composites which has reduced the original weight by 40%. Indian Air Force currently operates 250 Mi-17 Hips among which a good percentage have been upgraded to the Mi-17V5 variants and the older batches will enter phase-out stage in 2028.
Some Unique Facts
Licensed-built by HAL, India operates 17 Aerospatiale 315B Lama or rather the common name bearing HAL Cheetah, a single engine utility helicopter which possesses exceptional high altitude performance. India’s Cheetah is an upgraded variant of the original French version and is equipped with a Turbomeca TM 333-2M2 engine. In one instance, a Cheetah of the Bareilly Air Force Base’ No.111 Snow Tigers Helicopter Unit created a world record for the highest landing at an altitude of 23250 ft. (7070m) on 2nd November 2004. However 2012 onwards, the unit got replaced by Mk.3 Dhruvs.
Another license-built machine made by HAL, the Aerospatiale Alouette III or the HAL Chetak recently completed its 60 yrs in India’s arsenal and is currently the oldest helicopter in the fleet. The country still fields 77 Chetaks, another single engine, light utility helicopter similar to the Cheetah. The Cheetahs and Chetaks of India are the lifeline in the high-altitude bases and base camps and are also a go-to platform for several disaster relief, casualty evacuation and relief missions.
India is among the select few countries outside the origin Russia to have the Mil Mi-26 Halo, the largest serial production helicopter ever. Powered by two ZMKB Progress D-136 Turboshaft engines producing 8500 kW each, the Halo is able stands at a length of 40m and height of 8m with a max speed of 295 km/h, 500 km range with cargo, operational service ceiling of upto 4600m and being able to carry a maximum takeoff weight of 56000kg. It is so strong that it can lift a Chinook on its own which itself is one of the largest helicopters of the western world. Currently the reported 3 Halos present in India’s fleet were to be sent to Russia for an extensive upgrade programme to extend their service life by another 10-15 years. India is currently the only country which fields both the American Chinook and the Russian Halo in the same team – two certified heavy lift workhorses of the helicopter world.
The Longbow-Guardian Apaches of India are upgraded with the latest Arrowhead targeting system. Apart from the 256 simultaneous target acquisition capability, pilots are also free to flex their ‘kill wherever you look’ feature. The M230 chain gun is linked with the helmet mounted sight of the gunner of the Apache which gives it a unique ability to turn the gun wherever the person is facing across a 270 degrees frontal vision.
In February 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the largest helicopter manufacturing facility for HAL in Tumakuru, Karnataka where the company aims to produce 1000 Light Utility Helicopters in an investment of Rs. 4 lakh crores in a period of the next 20 years.
Also Read, Kargil War Through Bollywood’s Lens
The Neighbourhood Scenario
LCH Prachands are being produced in priority status as they are being instantly deployed to the borders of China and Pakistan as more units are being produced. The highest battlefields are being reserved by the LCH followed by the Apaches while the mid-heights are ruled by the Rudra-attacks and Hinds. Apaches have been deployed in the western part of the border shared by Pakistan. China’s strongest counter is the Z-10 Thunderbolt, their reverse-engineered version for the Apache. While they have lost the ability to get the Pratt and Whitney engines after the Raytheon lawsuit and have turned towards the indigenous low powered concerning engines, the original Z-10s are still the better version. According to satellite information reported by defence analysts, the stronger Z-10 variants are deployed in the nearby borders of India and Tibet region while the weaker Z-10A variants (not having illegal Pratt & Whitney engines) are shifted towards the Taiwan coast and South China Sea.
However the situation gets trickier here. Pakistan is currently at the 10th place in global military helicopter ranking index 2024 with 352 units. While a good percentage of their fleet are old-gen utility helos, they have a very decent attack squad. 4 Mil Mi-24 gunships, some 50-odd American Bell Ah-1 Cobra and incoming 30 Turk T129 Augusta Westland ATAK helos, so yeah you guessed it right! Even with one-third of India’s helo fleets strength, Pakistan already has a much better qualitatively good combat helicopter army. But is Pakistan a concern in this topic? Arguably no. The country does pack handsome attack capabilities and only our 28 Apaches and limited number Prachands can counter them. Our armed Rudras are definitely not up to the mark with those platforms because Cobras and ATAKS are dedicated attack platforms but our ones are the armed versions of Dhruvs with inferior maneuverability and standoff capabilities compared to them. But realistically speaking, they are not a concern yet. Pakistan is already crippled with its own issues – the military controlled government, shredded economy, staggeringly negative citizenship satisfaction, and the newer conflicts with Iran regarding militant outfits and what not.
The main concern lies with China. China has 913 helo units while India has 869. Is it a big difference? No. What about quality? Yes, a big difference. And that difference is getting larger due to their sheer concentration in attack helicopters. China’s helicopter fleet is more focused in attack strength rather than utility operations. And the concern is genuine because the names they have. Close to 250 Changze Z-10 Thunderbolts (the previously mentioned reverse-engineered AH-64 Apache), 200 or maybe more Harbin Z-19 (an indigenously developed recon/attack platform), more than 50 Harbin Z-20 Divine Eagles (reverse engineered American Sikorsky Black Hawks which are modded for attack missions and are the potential counters for our Rudras and Dhruvs) and then the upgraded Mil Mi-35s, Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28 Havoc (each 50 units). In the current world, there’s a very hot debate on the best attack helos other than the Apache and they are the Mi-28 Havoc, Ka-52 Alligator and US’ AH-1Z Viper (and China has already 2 of them). So qualitatively and quantitatively India is much behind in this sector. Does India hold any advantage against China here? Well apart from the global support the nation possesses, that’s pretty much it. Right now, it’s only (ramp up the indigenous production) and Time Will Tell.
