India’s Ministry of Defence has initiated a significant procurement process for approximately 200 advanced reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) to replace its aging Cheetah and Chetak fleet, which has been operational since the 1960s. The Request for Information (RFI) issued seeks to identify vendors for 120 helicopters for the Indian Army and 80 for the Indian Air Force, emphasizing modern designs with advanced avionics and safety features suitable for diverse operational scenarios, particularly in high-altitude areas like Siachen. The initiative aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ policy, promoting indigenous manufacturing, and encourages partnerships between Indian firms and foreign manufacturers while ensuring technology transfer and local production. This procurement aims to address longstanding operational gaps due to the vintage nature of the existing fleet, which has faced serviceability issues and a concerning crash rate, similar to the MiG-21 fighter jets set for phasing out. Moreover, the process is expected to complement ongoing projects for 187 Light Utility Helicopters being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with the induction plan aimed at gradually retiring the outdated helicopters from 2027 onwards. The urgency of this initiative reflects a broader strategic commitment to modernize India’s defense capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers while enhancing operational effectiveness in challenging terrains.