Emphasis on indigenization
The Defence Ministry is shortlisting potential Indian Strategic Partners and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the ‘Procurement of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy.
The Ministry has called for Expression of Interests on 12 Feb 2019.
These helicopters will replace Chetak Helicopters and will be utilised for albeit SAR, CASEVAC, LIMO, passenger roles and torpedo drops, said the Ministry.
Ninety-five helicopters out of 111 will be manufactured in India by the selected Indian Strategic Partner.
The project would boost the manufacturing capability for helicopters in India.
The EoI from Indian private companies for participating in the project has been hosted on the MoD/Indian Navy website.
However, the Request for EoI from foreign OEMs has been forwarded to companies that participated in the Request For Information (RFI) deliberations.
The OEMs have been mandated to set up dedicated manufacturing line, including design, integration and manufacturing processes for NUH in India and make Indian Manufacturing Line as a global exclusive facility for the NUH platform being offered.
Whilst Indian companies have been given two months to respond to the EoI, the foreign OEMs have been given three months for responding due to the nature of inputs required.
A High level of indigenization, about 60%, of the helicopter is desired through the NUH project.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement is likely to be issued towards the end of third quarter of this year to the shortlisted Indian companies. fiinews.com
