The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire 24 Special Utility Helicopters (SUH) for the safe transportation of VVIPs, including the President, Vice President and Prime Minister, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 10,000 crore. The proposal received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in its meeting on October 26, 2026.
The Ministry of Defence stated that “the procurement of special utility helicopters will help the Indian Air Force meet the important air transport requirements.” The new helicopters are intended to replace the Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 helicopters currently used for VVIP duties. These aircraft were modified for the role after the earlier VVIP helicopter programme was cancelled following a corruption scandal.
According to officials, the main contenders for the programme are the Airbus H-725 and a helicopter from Lockheed Martin of the United States (widely identified as the Sikorsky S-92). The specifications have been drawn up specifically to meet the operational, security and comfort requirements of VVIP transport. Given the limited numbers involved, the helicopters are expected to be procured directly from overseas suppliers, and will be equipped with advanced defensive systems against ground-based threats.
This acquisition forms part of a broader set of capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore approved by the DAC on the same day. Around 82 per cent of the overall procurements are expected to be sourced from Indian industry. Other approvals for the IAF include air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems for improved localised weather surveillance in forward areas. Approvals for the Army and Navy cover light multi-role helicopters, self-propelled tracked gun systems, high-mobility vehicles, counter-drone systems, surveillance and strike UAVs, and naval platforms.
The previous dedicated VVIP helicopter acquisition—a 2010 contract with AgustaWestland for 12 AW-101 helicopters valued at over Rs 3,500 crore—was terminated after allegations of bribery involving middlemen and Indian officials emerged. In the interim, the IAF has relied on modified Mi-17 V5 helicopters for the critical task of transporting the country’s highest dignitaries.
The induction of purpose-built Special Utility Helicopters is expected to provide a modern, reliable and secure solution for VVIP air movement across the country.
