India Clears Rs.13,500 Crore Funding for 13-Ton Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter

India has approved Rs.13,500 crore in funding for the production of its indigenous 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), marking a major step toward developing a locally manufactured replacement for the Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters currently operated by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

The funding has been cleared by the committee responsible for financing the programme and will now be forwarded to India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.

The helicopter, to be developed by India’s state-owned defence industry, is expected to have a maximum take-off weight of around 13,000 kg and carry between 24 and 36 troops in addition to two pilots. Its anticipated payload capacity at sea level is estimated at 4,000–4,500 kg.

The IMRH is expected to have a maximum speed of approximately 300 km/h, a cruising speed of around 260 km/h and a range of nearly 800 km. Its service ceiling is projected to be between 6,500 and 6,700 metres.

The helicopter is planned to incorporate composite materials, a glass cockpit, advanced avionics and a crashworthy design. It is also expected to have the capability to carry a warhead payload of up to approximately 1,600 kg.

The development and indigenous production of the IMRH is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on Russian-origin helicopter platforms and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.