India Seeks To Lease Three Ultra Heavy Lift Helicopters To Boost Capability

The Indian Air Force has issued a landmark RFI to lease three Ultra Heavy Lift Helicopters (UHLH), aiming to restore its high‑altitude heavy‑lift capability. The requirement specifies a platform capable of lifting 20 tonnes and operating at altitudes up to 18,000 feet. Globally, only Russia’s Mi‑26 meets this benchmark, narrowing the field to a single proven contender. India inducted four Mi‑26s in 1986, but after a crash in 2010 and prolonged grounding, only an overhaul deal signed with Moscow in 2024 is reviving the old fleet. The new RFI, however, is separate: it seeks three helicopters on a damp lease—a hybrid arrangement where aircraft are provided with limited support staff and equipment, but not full crew. The lease will run for two years with a purchase option. Performance requirements include seating for 45 troops, ambulance conversion for 20 stretchers, 230 km/h cruise speed, 30 flying hours per month, 95% availability, and resilience from –40°C to +60°C.