Indian Air Force Seeks Three Ultra Heavy-Lift Helicopters on Lease for High-Altitude Operations

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Ministry of Defence has initiated the process to lease three specialised ultra heavy-lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to strengthen operational capabilities in high-altitude regions, particularly along the Himalayas.
A Request for Information (RFI), marking the first stage of the procurement process, has been issued to invite responses from potential vendors.
According to the requirements outlined, the IAF is looking for helicopters capable of lifting up to 20 tonnes and operating effectively in mountainous terrain at extreme altitudes. Defence sources indicate this narrows the options significantly, with Russia’s Mi-26 currently among the few platforms globally capable of meeting such specifications.
The move is separate from an earlier agreement signed in October 2024 to overhaul the IAF’s ageing Mi-26 fleet. India had inducted four Mi-26 helicopters in the late 1980s, though one crashed in 2010 and the remaining aircraft were phased out of active service by 2017.
Under the fresh proposal, the helicopters are planned to be leased for an initial period of two years, with an option for eventual purchase.
The IAF has specified that the helicopters should be able to operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 metres and support supply drops and troop deployment at key mountain positions. The aircraft are also expected to carry at least 45 fully equipped soldiers and be adaptable for medical evacuation missions with space for 20 stretchers.
Operational requirements also include functioning in extreme temperatures ranging from minus 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, along with advanced avionics such as weather radar and digital navigation systems.
For survivability, the helicopters are expected to be equipped with electronic warfare systems, including radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems and countermeasure dispensing capabilities.
The proposed leasing is aimed at filling a critical capability gap while boosting the IAF’s heavy-lift operations in strategically sensitive terrain.