Hit by the delay in the procurment of 133 light utility helicopters, the Army on Thursday placed a `330-crore order for 22 Cheetal helicopters built by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to augment its ageing fleet of 150 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
“The contract for the 22 Cheetals was signed between the Army and HAL here today and the final orders for the helicopters have been placed. Each of the Cheetal helicopters is worth `15 crore,” an Army officer said.
The Cheetals are specially designed to fly at high altitude such as Siachen Glacier. The deal had been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council on December 19, 2012.