Rajnath Singh believes that progress on a 10-ton Indian multipurpose chopper is required.

*Paromita Das

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that while India has demonstrated its strength in the design, development, and operation of helicopters in the 5-ton category, progress in the design of a 10-ton Indian multirole helicopter is required to become a global leader.

Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Chetak helicopter, Singh stated that there is a demand for more than 1000 civilian helicopters in India, as well as an equal number of helicopters in the military sector, indicating a huge potential in the chopper market.
External conditions, he said, have impacted the serviceability of India’s critical weapons and equipment, and thus efforts for self-sufficiency remain critical.