PAF Evaluate HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter Acquisition

27 Januari 2018

HAL Rudra Attack Helicopter (photo : Andras Kisgergely)

With the Philippine Air Force Attack Helicopter acquisition project already moving and the PAF’s TWG already evaluating possible candidates, it appears that we missed one that was also looked into by the said TWG team – the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Rudra light combat helicopter.

Together with the Airbus H145M, MD Helicopters MD601 Explorer and Leonardo AW109, the HAL Rudra may be another candidate that would need a second look, considering its development was more into being an armed helicopter right from the start, compared to the other candidates that are general purpose military helicopter designs.

HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) Attack Helicopter

HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter is an attack helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for the Indian Army. It is the Weapon System Integrated (WSI) Mk-IV variant of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Rudra is the first armed helicopter being produced indigenously in India.

The HAL Rudra helicopter can be deployed in wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.

HAL was contracted to deliver about 76 Rudra ALH Mk-IV helicopters for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Indian Army plans to equip its Army Aviation Corps with 60 helicopters, forming six squadrons. HAL handed over the first HAL Rudra Light Attack Helicopter to the Indian Army in February 2013.

It also appears that, based on our information, the Indian government may have already made some feelers with the AFP, as they are supporting HAL in marketing its products to the Philippine market.

(Update)