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Italian Navy EH101
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“India’s Navy Holding Maritime Patrol Aircraft Competition” describes India’s growing naval sphere of influence, and the competition for an aircraft that would improve India’s coverage of those territories. A complementary way to improve that coverage is to upgrade the naval helicopters that base from ships or land locations. In September 2008, Flight International reported that India’s defence ministry has issued a tender for “advanced multirole naval helicopters” to several manufacturers around the world, including AgustaWestland, EADS and Sikorsky. Russia’s Kamov/Rosboronexport may well be on this list too; India’s Navy currently uses Kamov Ka-28, Ka-31 AEW, and AgustaWestland Sea King helicopters.

The initial RFP reportedly covers 16 helicopters, with a potential expansion to 60 helicopters. Each manufacturer has choices to make within its line up…

Picking the Contenders

Indian Ka-28
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Flight International:

“Defence ministry sources say the new aircraft will be equipped with potent anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare equipment including cruise missiles and torpedoes, and also be capable of being refuelled in flight. The type will operate from both naval vessels and land bases, they add.”

Each manufacturer has more than one helicopter that could fit this description.

Rosoboronexport/ Kamov can play the commonality and standardization cards, because India’s Navy already uses its Ka-28s and Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters. On the other hand, it would appear to have the most limited set of options. The Ka-27 family remains its naval helicopter offering, though upgrades and partnerships may be possible in order to insert more advanced equipment.

Lynx Mk8
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AgustaWestland has several models it could offer. Its Super Lynx naval helicopter fits a wide range of naval vessels, and Britain’s Future Lynx project offers the prospect of more advanced technologies. At the high end, its EH101 medium-heavy helicopter is used in both naval and search-and-rescue roles.

Finally, AgustaWestland is a major shareholder in NHIndustries, whose NH90 NFH medium naval helicopter sits in between the Lynx and EH101.

EADS owns Eurocopter, the top shareholder in the NH90 consortium. Its own AS532 Super Puma/Cougar also serves with a number of navies, and a search and rescue variant exists. The more advanced EC 725 Cougar is also a potential option.

MH-60Rs fire Hellfire
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Sikorsky has several options of its own. India’s neighbor Thailand has already ordered the new MH-60S naval utility helicopter, and its counterpart the MH-60R would add potent anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities, while sharing significant commonality. Indeed, Lockheed Martin’s bid for India’s maritime patrol aircraft competition reportedly included 16 MH-60Rs (est. cost: $350-400 million), alongside 8 of its P-3 aircraft.

As a third option, Canada has chosen Sikorsky’s larger H-92 Superhawk as the basis for its CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopter; deliveries are expected to begin soon.

Additional Readings

• Flight International (Sept 9/08) – India launches tender for up to 60 maritime helicopters