India’s Ministry of Defence has reinvigorated its requirement for approximately 200 light helicopters, aimed at replacing the aging Cheetah and Chetak models, with 120 for the Army and 80 for the Air Force. This fresh request for information (RfI) allows bids for helicopters equipped for reconnaissance, troop transport, and search-and-rescue missions, with specific weapon capabilities. The previous selection of the Kamov Ka-226T faced delays due to technology transfer issues, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s indigenous Light Utility Helicopters are progressing towards operational deployment. Notably, Airbus Helicopters, partnering with Tata Group, is poised as a frontrunner with its H125 helicopter variant, indicating a significant shift towards domestic manufacturing and strategic partnerships in India’s defense aviation sector.