NEW DELHI—India's government has decided to begin the bidding process by NHIndustries and Sikorsky for the purchase of 16 multi-role helicopters for its navy. NHIndustries is offering its NH90 and Sikorsky is bidding with its S-70B Seahawk to replace the navy’s 19 aging Westland Sea Kings. Field trials of the helicopters were evaluated in 2011. The aircraft will be used primarily for anti-submarine/surface warfare, with secondary roles including search and rescue, utility transport and casualty evacuation.
NEW DELHI—India has yet again scrapped its efforts to acquire 197 light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) for its army and air force, shattering the hopes of Airbus Helicopters and Russia’s Kamov. Airbus Helicopters’ AS 350 Fennec and Kamov’s 226 Sergei successfully completed their field trials in December 2010. Officials from the teams were unavailable for comment.