Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to conduct the maiden flight of its indigenous Utility Helicopter-Marine (UH-M) around November 2026, marking an important step in India’s effort to develop a dedicated naval utility helicopter. The twin-engine platform has been designed specifically for shipborne operations and is intended to support the Indian Navy’s requirements for a modern helicopter capable of operating from frontline warships.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K has confirmed that the first UH-M prototype has been built and is being prepared for flight testing. The maiden sortie is expected to be followed by a detailed developmental and certification programme before the helicopter can be considered for operational induction.
The UH-M programme gained momentum after the Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Information for 76 Naval Utility Helicopters. The requirement covers 51 helicopters for the Indian Navy and another 25 for the Indian Coast Guard. HAL has developed the UH-M around the specific demands of maritime operations rather than adapting a conventional land-based utility helicopter for naval use.
Operating helicopters from warships presents challenges such as limited deck and hangar space, strong winds, rough sea conditions and the corrosive marine environment. To address these requirements, the UH-M incorporates foldable main rotor blades, allowing the aircraft to occupy less space when stored aboard naval vessels. HAL has also worked on enhanced engine performance and improved flight-control systems to provide greater power margins during take-off and landing from moving decks.
The helicopter is being designed with a flexible cabin that can be configured for different missions. These include personnel transport, logistics support, casualty evacuation, search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian assistance. Such flexibility is intended to allow the platform to support a range of routine and operational requirements across the Indian Navy’s maritime deployments.
The UH-M is expected to eventually provide a modern indigenous option for naval utility operations as older Chetak helicopters continue to approach the end of their service lives. The programme also forms part of HAL’s broader helicopter development efforts, which include the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) for Army and Air Force requirements.
The upcoming maiden flight will be an important milestone for the UH-M programme. Following the initial flight, the prototype will undergo further testing and development to establish its performance and suitability for naval operations. If the programme progresses successfully, the UH-M could add a dedicated Indian-designed maritime helicopter to the country’s growing indigenous aerospace portfolio.