HAL Targets 2027–28 for First Light Utility Helicopter Deliveries — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plans to deliver the first 12 Light Utility Helicopters during the 2027–28 financial year, with six aircraft allocated to the Indian Army and six to the Indian Air Force. The 3-tonne-class helicopter is undergoing final military airworthiness certification, including assessments by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification. Designed for mountainous and rugged environments, the LUH is intended to replace ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used for transport, reconnaissance and high-altitude missions. Current work includes improvements to autorotation performance and integration of an Automatic Flight Control System to reduce pilot workload. The initial batch will help both services evaluate the aircraft before wider induction. India’s planned requirement stands at 187 helicopters, which will be manufactured at HAL’s Tumkur facility in Karnataka.
