India to shortly deliver new helos to Afghanistan

Seen here in Indian Army colours, the Cheetah/Cheetal helicopter is to be operated by Afghanistan in the observation and reconnaissance role. Source: IHS/Patrick Allen

India is to deliver two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) HSA 315B Cheetah/Cheetal utility helicopters to Afghanistan in January, regional media reported on 11 December.

The new-build helicopters, which will be used for observation and reconnaissance purposes, are being supplied to the Afghan Air Force (AAF) as part of a wider defence and security co-operation deal between the two countries.

In June it was reported that Afghanistan was to receive three such helicopters from India. It is not clear if this number has now been reduced by one, or if the final helicopter will be delivered at a later date.

Operated by the Indian armed forces in the mountainous north of the country, the Cheetah/Cheetal is ideally suited to the extreme topographical and harsh environmental conditions found throughout Afghanistan.

Once in Afghan service, it will join the Mil Mi-24/35 'Hind', Mi-8/17 'Hip', and MDHI MD 530F Little Bird in making up the AAF's rotary-winged force.

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