Repeated failure of the government to modernise the Army’s helicopter fleet has resulted in the Army Aviation Corps facing a 32 per cent deficiency in its authorised fleet strength, while about 52 per cent of the existing fleet is more than 30 years old, the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) has said.
“The effective availability of helicopters for operations gets further reduced to 40 per cent of the authorisation due to low level of serviceability of the existing fleet,” the CAG said in its audit report on “Army, ordnance factories and Defence public sector undertakings” tabled in Parliament on Friday.
The corps currently operates 126 Cheetah, 55 Chetak and 65 indigenously built advanced light helicopter Dhruv for multi-purpose and utility roles.
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While the Cheetah and Chetaks are ageing platforms, in need of replacement, the low production rate of Dhruv’s, eight a year, by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is limiting their induction in large numbers. It is yet to induct the armed Dhruv variants two years after the unit has been raised.
The report notes that the corps could not replace its helicopters which are due for de-induction since the 10th Plan period (2002-07). Against the 18 schemes, related to acquisition of equipment including helicopters for the corps, approved in 11th and 12th service capital period, contracts in respect of only four could be concluded in the nine years since.
“Failure in meeting the targets and objectives of the acquisition plans and tardiness in procurement action were the main reasons denying the corps to acquire a suitable replacement for the old and ageing fleet,” the CAG report said.
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After repeated cancellation of tenders, India has recently selected Russian Kamov-228T utility helicopter, which will be built in India under technology transfer.
The deal for this is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia next week.