Aircraft
India’s Plan To Buy Helicopter Carriers Falters
Financial problems at one of the two bidders is delaying the much-needed LHD project.
An AV-8B parked on the deck of Spanish LHD Juan Carlos 1 during its visit to Mumbai last week. (Photo: Neelam Mathews)
An AV-8B parked on the deck of Spanish LHD Juan Carlos 1 during its visit to Mumbai last week. (Photo: Neelam Mathews)

A visit to Mumbai's port by the Spanish multi-purpose warship Juan Carlos 1 has highlighted India’s requirement for four similar vessels, also known as landing helicopter docks (LHDs). The Spanish warship builder Navantia is a bidder for the Indian requirement, in partnership with domestic company Larsen & Toubro (L&T). But the procurement process has been disrupted by the financial problems of rival bidder Reliance Naval and Engineering, which is partnered with French warship builder DCNS.


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