In its latest offer to romp up India’s defence strength, leading public sector undertaking, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is offering an indigenous multirole helicopter to the Indian army for replacing its medium lift choppers such as MI-17s, Kamovs and Seakings.

HAL Chairman R. Madhavan in a statement told media personnel that HAL has apprised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of the progress made on the design and development of the multirole helicopter for induction in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy and Army.

A mockup display of the multirole helicopter was shown to Rajnath Singh at its helicopter production facility in Bangalore. HAL has approached the defence ministry for getting funds to develop the new helicopter.

Throwing more light Madhavan said that HAL hopes to develop the new helicopter in 8 – 10 years when the current fleet of medium lift copters will be phased out.