The Ministry of Defence of India has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for acquiring 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), with 51 for the Indian Navy and 25 for the Indian Coast Guard, under the Buy & Make (Indian) initiative. This procurement is designed to enhance operational capabilities in maritime search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and low-intensity maritime operations, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The helicopters must have a proven track record, be capable of operations in diverse weather conditions, and support a range of critical roles, from casualty evacuation to aerial firefighting. Furthermore, the emphasis on Transfer of Technology (ToT) aims to bolster indigenous production capabilities. The procurement process will include technical evaluations and field trials to ensure that the selected platforms meet operational demands, with a deadline for vendor responses set for October 17, 2025. This initiative is pivotal for strengthening India’s maritime security and disaster management capabilities, aligning with the nation’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region, where challenges such as piracy and illegal fishing persist. Overall, the NUH program not only aims to modernize naval and coast guard aviation assets but also to stimulate the domestic aerospace manufacturing sector through industrial partnerships.