Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, initiated two studies focusing on key military platforms utilised by all three services. These platforms, namely Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and armoured helicopters, were the subjects of the research. According to defence sources, the study on UAVs has been completed, resulting in a recommendation to procure 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs.

The studies, conducted by joint teams from the three services, aimed to optimise the number of required platforms and resources while avoiding duplication. The first study concluded between August and September, and its report has been finalised. The second study, focusing on armoured helicopters, is in the process of finalising its Terms of Reference and is expected to commence within the next couple of months.

The findings of the UAV study indicated the need for 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs and 155 MALE UAVs. While the MQ-9B deal is underway, the allocation of the 155 MALE UAVs among the Army, Navy, and Air Force is yet to be decided.

Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the existing Israeli Heron MALE UAVs operated by the three services. This upgrade, which includes weaponisation and satellite communication incorporation, has been pending for several years and is estimated to cost Rs 21,000 crore. Officials are now optimistic that this upgrade will receive clearance following the completion of the study.

In June, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of 31 MQ-9B UAVs from General Atomics, including 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians?eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force. This deal, facilitated through the US Foreign Military Sales route, is estimated to cost $3,072 million. The Defence Ministry has sent a Letter of Request (LoR) to the US Government, laying the groundwork for the finalisation of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), where equipment details and procurement terms will be negotiated and finalised.

Furthermore, a significant development involves the Army's foray into operating attack helicopters independently. While the Indian Air Force has traditionally handled attack helicopters, the Army has expressed the need for its own fleet to support its strike formations. The Army Aviation recently welcomed its first batch of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Currently, both the Army and Air Force are in the process of inducting the initial 15 LCH. There's a larger deal on the table for 156 LCH, with 90 earmarked for the Army and 66 for the Air Force, awaiting government approval.

Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given in-principle sanction for the procurement of 39 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the US. The Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 AH-64E Apaches under a 2015 deal. Any further Apache procurements will now go to the Army. A deal for six more Apaches for the Army was signed in February 2020, with deliveries slated to begin in February 2024. Discussions are underway for an additional 11 Apaches for the Army, with progress contingent upon the outcomes of the on-going study on armoured helicopters.

Source: The Hindu