Defence

India's defence ministry has issued a tender for 16 advanced multirole naval helicopters to companies including AgustaWestland, EADS and Sikorsky, with its initial requirement likely to later expand by a further 44 aircraft.

Defence ministry sources say the new aircraft will be equipped with potent anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare equipment including cruise missiles and torpedoes, and also be capable of being refuelled in flight. The type will operate from both naval vessels and land bases, they add.

The Indian navy meanwhile plans to acquire five more Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters, and is exploring the possibility of conducting mid-life upgrades to its Ka-28 and Westland Sea King transport helicopters.

In a related development, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency on 9 September notified Congress of a $170 million Indian request to purchase 20 Boeing AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched anti-ship missiles.