Interview | Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC

Though INS Vikrant has been inducted, it seems that it will be a while before its full operational exploitation. Can you give an update and expected timelines for the procurement of naval helicopters and the second line of Carrier-based fighter?

The case for procurement of six Kamov 31 AEW helicopters as repeat order from JSC RoE is being progressed by Indian Navy. Notwithstanding, Indian Navy is exploring the indigenous option to meet immediate requirement in the domain on AEW helicopters. As a long-term measure, AEW variant has been included in the design and development of Deck Based Multi Role Helicopters (DBMRH) expected to realise in 10-12 years of initiation of D&D process.

Design and development of DBMRH is expected to take about seven to eight years to enable production of the helicopter commencing from ninth year of project sanction. Indian Navy has initiated design and development of 60 Utility Helicopter-Maritime (UH-M) with HAL. Post accord of approval of necessity, the delivery of the helicopters is being targeted to commence 2026 onwards.

Rafale M and F/A 18 have completed the operational demonstration at shore-based test facility (SBTF) Goa in January 2022 and June 2022 respectively towards verifying that the aircraft meet Indian Navy requirements as well as compatibility with aircraft carri