Light Utility Helicopter Nears Certification for Indian Army and IAF
The indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) has entered the final stages of certification, according to officials. The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) is expected to issue a military type certificate, allowing Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to deliver the first 12 LUHs to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force by FY 2027-28. The LUH will replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, which are set to be phased out over the next eight to ten years. HAL has established production facilities in Tumakuru with an initial capacity of 30 helicopters annually, scalable to 60. The LUH will support various operations, including reconnaissance, logistics, and high-altitude missions, with a combined order expectation of at least 187 units from the army and IAF.
Published 11 hours ago • 13 Oct 2026, 07:34 PM IST