Defence

The Chilean air force is expected to issue a request for proposals this month for a new fleet of 10 light utility helicopters, with the platforms to replace its Bell UH-1Hs and early examples of the Bell 412. The document is also expected to include a request for between four and six medium-lift helicopters, with these to be selected late this year after a decision on the utility order in early July.

In the running for the former programme are the Eurocopter EC145, Kazan Ansat and Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv advanced light helicopter, while the medium-lift requirement will be contested by the Kazan-built Mil Mi-17-1V and Sikorsky's S-70 Black Hawk, the first of which is now in air force service.

In addition to seeking commercial offsets, the Chilean government will also request the licence manufacture of the selected light utility helicopter by national supplier Enaer. Local sources say HAL's Dhruv is considered among the prime candidates to meet the requirement, due to its price tag of around $6 million and India's willingness to partner with Enaer.

HAL has been marketing the Dhruv in Chile since early 2005 in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries.