The Indian Navy's ageing Chetak helicopters, which are being gradually phased out after decades of service, could be converted into autonomous uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying out a range of military missions, HindFirst reported on Friday, citing a report by The Hindu BusinessLine. Defence technology company Xinfiniti AeroSpace has begun ground-phase trials to convert the Navy's legacy Chetak helicopters into pilotless aerial platforms, in partnership with the Indian Navy under the iDEX framework.

Source: HindFirst (citing The Hindu BusinessLine)

The initiative, called the Naval Chetak Autonomous System (NCAS), aims to transform existing helicopters into platforms that can operate without pilots on board by removing pilot-related systems and integrating autonomous flight controls, navigation technologies and ground-control infrastructure, Defence Aviation Post reported in a separate account on Friday. Instead of developing an entirely new aircraft, the programme seeks to reuse existing airframes and adapt them for missions that do not necessarily require onboard pilots.

Source: Defence Aviation Post

Xinfiniti AeroSpace CEO Vishal Kumar Verma said the Indian Navy had awarded the company a major project to attempt India's first successful conversion of legacy helicopters into autonomous aircraft. Verma said the modified helicopters could undertake missions such as heavy cargo lifting, reconnaissance, surveillance and combat operations while retaining the existing airframe, and would cost considerably less than developing a new helicopter in the same category. Those are the company's claims; the platform's capabilities will need to be established through further testing.

Source: HindFirst (citing The Hindu BusinessLine)

1960sDecade the Chetak entered Indian military service
7Seats in the Chetak's original crewed design

A workhorse since the 1960s

The Chetak is a seven-seat, multi-role helicopter manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence from French manufacturer Sud-Aviation, based on the Alouette III design. It entered Indian military service in the 1960s and has been operated by the Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard for transport, communication, search-and-rescue, maritime patrol and casualty evacuation roles. As newer types gradually replace the ageing fleet, the proposed conversion could give some airframes an additional operational role.

Source: Defence Aviation Post

What is solid

  • Ground-phase trials under the NCAS programme have begun, per both reports
  • The programme is being pursued with the Indian Navy under the iDEX innovation framework
  • The Chetak is a HAL-built helicopter in Indian service since the 1960s

What is only claimed

  • Whether the conversion will reach autonomous flight and operational service, and the company's cost and 'first conversion' claims — all unproven at the ground-trial stage
What happens next

For now the project remains in its development and ground-testing phase. Progress towards autonomous flight demonstrations and any operational deployment will depend on validation of its control systems, flight safety and mission capabilities.