Mon, 26 Oct 2026 · LIVE
Updated Oct 26, 2026 · 20:48
Est. 2001 · India Edition
India News Updated Oct 26, 2026

IAF to buy 24 special utility helicopters for VVIP transport

The Indian Air Force is set to buy 24 Special Utility Helicopters for VVIP transport, a plan cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Rajnath Singh. The procurement, estimated at around Rs 10,000 crore, will replace the Mi-17 V5 helicopters used by the President, Vice President and Prime Minister. Officials said Airbus H-725 and Lockheed Martin are the main contenders for the programme.

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Indian Air Force to buy 24 special utility helicopters for VVIP transport roles

New Delhi, October 26

For the safe transportation of VVIPs across the country, the Indian Air Force is looking to buy 24 Special Utility Helicopters.

The plan was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in its meeting on Monday, the Defence Ministry said in a release.

"The procurement of special utility helicopters will help the Indian Air Force meet the important air transport requirements," it said.

The main contenders for the programme would be Airbus H-725 and Lockheed Martin of the US, officials said.

The project, expected to cost around Rs 10,000 crore, has been initiated to replace the Mi-17 V5s used by the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of India.

The specifications have been made to meet the requirements of the VVIPs.

The choppers were modified for VVIP transportation roles after the scrapping of the VVIP chopper programme due to a scandal.

— ANI

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Reader’s Guide · AI-assisted, based only on the report above

What the report makes clear: A defence ministry body has cleared a plan for the air force to buy 24 helicopters for VVIP travel.

Still open: The report does not yet say the timeline for the purchase, the delivery schedule or how the winner will be selected.

Another way to look at it: Large VVIP transport spending may draw scrutiny at a time when other defence equipment needs are also competing for funds.

Is replacing the ageing VVIP helicopter fleet a priority you support?

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