IAF to Acquire 24 Special Utility Helicopters Worth ₹10,000 Crore

On October 26, 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to a proposal for 24 Special Utility Helicopters (SUH) for the Indian Air Force. The estimated cost is about ₹10,000 crore, and the helicopters will carry the country’s top dignitaries.

IAF to Acquire 24 Helicopters for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister

The 24 Special Utility Helicopters will be used for the safe air travel of VVIPs, including the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. They are built to meet the security, operational and comfort needs of VVIP transport.

1. Contenders: The main contenders are the Airbus H-725 and a Lockheed Martin helicopter, widely identified as the Sikorsky S-92.
2. Procurement: Since the number is small, the helicopters are likely to be bought directly from overseas suppliers.
3. Safety features: They will have advanced defensive systems to protect against ground-based threats.

New Helicopters Replace Mi-17 V5 Helicopters

The new SUHs will replace the Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 helicopters now used for VVIP duty. These Mi-17 V5s were modified for the role after the earlier VVIP helicopter programme was cancelled.

Why Was the Earlier Programme Cancelled?

1. In 2010, India signed a contract with AgustaWestland for 12 AW-101 helicopters worth over ₹3,500 crore.
2. The deal was terminated after allegations of bribery involving middlemen and Indian officials.
3. Until now, the IAF has relied on modified Mi-17 V5 helicopters.

Other Approvals by the DAC

The VVIP helicopters are part of a larger package of proposals worth about ₹2.12 lakh crore, cleared on the same day. About 82% of the total procurement is expected to come from Indian industry.

1. IAF: Air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems for local weather watch in forward areas.
2. Army and Navy: Light multi-role helicopters, self-propelled tracked guns, high-mobility vehicles, counter-drone systems, surveillance and strike UAVs, and naval platforms.

Purpose-built helicopters are expected to give India a modern, reliable and secure option for VVIP air travel.