New Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire 24 new attack helicopters and 12 heavy lift helicopters to replace and augment its Soviet-era fleets. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Fali Homi Major told India Strategic defence magazine, whose website he inaugurated Thursday night, that a global Request for Proposals (RFP) for 24 state-of-the-art attack helicopters was around the corner. So was an RFP for 12 heavy lift helicopters to replace the old 20-ton Mi 26 helicopters.

IAF's fleet of half-a-dozen Mi26 heavy lift helicopters needs urgent replacement while the Mi 35 attack helicopters are being upgraded in systems to extend their useful life for some more time. Major said that the IAF was 'actively pursuing a comprehensive plan to upgrade its helicopter fleet by upgrading older machines and inducting new ones.'

While the Mi17 multi-role helicopters and Mi35 Soviet-era attack helicopters would be upgraded, a parallel plan was underway to renew assets in the next 10 years as part of the air force's overall perspective plan. A plan to acquire 80 newer Mi17Vs was already under implementation.

'Within the next 10 years though, there would be a transformation of the helicopter fleet,' the air chief said, pointing out that newer machines with state-of-the-art glass cockpits, mid-flight refueling capability and night operations were needed to meet the contemporary and future requirements.

He agreed the acquisition process had suffered after 1990, and it was time new helicopters and systems were inducted to match the emerging strategic scenario as well as requirements for mobility of troops, men and material even during a natural calamity.

The armed forces provide the best-organized personnel even during peace time operations whenever floods, snow storms, earth quakes and disasters like tsunami have taken place.

Noting the development of some indigenous capability by HAL-produced aircraft, particularly the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), he said: 'A number of procurement schemes are being progressed and we will, in future, have a mix of indigenous and imported aircraft to meet our operational requirements, which includes heavy and medium-lift and utility helicopters. These helicopters will be inducted in a phase manner during the next two 5-year plans.'

Major did not indicate any preference, saying that the aircraft and systems are procured in accordance with the Air Staff Requirements (ASRs) in a transparent and thorough process, and that 'whosoever makes them, will be invited to participate in the tenders.'

As for the attack helicopters, Boeing has already made known its offer to sell its latest version of the Apache AH 64 to India.

In fact, Boeing had invited a group of defence analysts from India, including this writer, at its aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities to showcase its sophistication in military products.

Boeing Vice President Chris Chadwick then said that the company was offering both the Apache Block III as well as Chinook CH 47 heavy lift in the 20-ton category to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Block III version would be available to the US forces in 2011, and if India chose it, to the Indian Air Force as well.

Indications are that the EADS Eurocopter has also offered its Tiger attack helicopter with latest technologies to India, both for the Army and Air Force.

However at present, the attack helicopter role is vested with the IAF.

Major said that the effort would be to invite manufacturers from around the world, and that in the heavy lift category, helicopters with 15-to-20-ton capacity would be considered.

'Today, we want the best, with digital net-centric connectivity as well as onboard sensors and weapons, so that we can use them for long, while periodically upgrading their systems or parts.'

It may be noted that Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts with modular, replaceable designs are now standard in aircraft and helicopters. For sophisticated machines though, they have to be ordered - or outsourced - from other manufacturers.

According to Air Marshal Ashok Goel, strategic affairs analyst, in a large country like India helicopters are one of the most vital systems. 'Their flights have to be stationed at various places to give the armed forces reach and mobility to counter a threat or help the people in a natural disaster.'

The helicopters are required not only for ferrying onboard and under-slung military equipment but also for deployment in natural disasters as has been observed during calamities like tsunami and snowstorms in the recent years.