Indian Navy to Get AESA Radar-Equipped UH-M Helicopters from HAL

India’s journey toward complete self-reliance in defense technology has taken another major leap forward.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is developing a specialized marine variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (UH-M) equipped with an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. According to the sources.

This move is part of India’s broader push to strengthen indigenous capabilities in the maritime rotary-wing segment and reduce dependence on foreign platforms and subsystems.

A Strategic Partnership for Naval Superiority

The UH-M project is being developed closely with the Indian Navy, focusing on adapting the proven Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) airframe for naval operations. HAL and the Navy are defining the aircraft’s operational roles and mission capabilities, with particular emphasis on:

• Saltwater corrosion resistance for long-term durability at sea
• Foldable rotor blades for shipboard hangar storage
• Enhanced maritime avionics tailored for surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions

The addition of an indigenous AESA radar from LRDE is a game-changer, enabling the helicopter to detect, track, and classify maritime targets in challenging sea conditions — from small boats and low-flying aircraft to even the periscopes of submarines.

Features

The HAL UH-M naval variant is built for tough maritime missions. It comes with an indigenous AESA radar for all-weather surveillance, foldable rotors for easy warship storage, and advanced mission systems like sonar, EO/IR sensors, and tactical data links.

A self-protection suite with electronic warfare gear and chaff/flare dispensers boosts survivability, while search and rescue capabilities and weather mapping ensure safe operations in any sea condition. Designed with high indigenous content, it supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal.

Specifications

Weighing around 5.8–6 tonnes, the UH-M is powered by twin Shakti turboshaft engines and cruises at about 250 km/h. It offers a range of 550–600 km and endurance of up to 5 hours, carrying a payload of 1–1.2 tonnes. The helicopter can be fitted with an AESA radar, dipping sonar, EO/IR turret, lightweight torpedoes, depth charges, and door-mounted guns, making it a multi-role asset for the Indian Navy.

Boosting the Navy’s Maritime Reach

If trials succeed, the Indian Navy is expected to order around 50 UH-M helicopters, deploying them aboard frontline warships such as destroyers, frigates, and offshore patrol vessels. These helicopters will greatly enhance the Navy’s reach, operational flexibility, and maritime domain awareness — particularly in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

Part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision

The UH-M will carry indigenous mission systems developed by Indian defense agencies and industry partners. This not only ensures operational independence but also strengthens India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

With its combination of advanced sensors, shipboard adaptability, and Indian-made mission systems, the HAL UH-M could become a cornerstone of India’s maritime helicopter fleet in the coming decade

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