India’s RTA‑70 regional aircraft and IMRH/DBMRH helicopter projects are at a critical juncture, with both awaiting formal approval of their Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structures.

These SPVs will determine how HAL, government agencies, and private industry share funding, risks, and responsibilities, unlocking the path to full‑scale development and production.

The government had proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) around a year ago to advance the indigenous Regional Transport Aircraft programme, but the plan is still awaiting implementation. The idea was to bring together stakeholders, build the aircraft ecosystem, and address policy and skill gaps so India can design, manufacture, and maintain a homegrown RTA within a five-year timeframe.

A January 2026 report by Money Control, said the government was likely to allocate about ₹12,511 crore for the proposed SPV for a home-grown Regional Transport Aircraft, with most of the funding earmarked for certification, testing, and infrastructure rather than only design work. The report also noted that the SPV was still under examination and had not yet been formally launched.

The Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA‑70) is designed as a 70‑90 seat commuter aircraft for short‑haul routes, intended to compete with global turboprops such as ATR. Conceived jointly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), it has undergone multiple design iterations since 2007.

The aircraft is expected to offer a cost advantage of around 20 percent compared to international competitors, with a range of 600–700 kilometres. Discussions have been held with Pratt & Whitney and General Electric for engine options, while cabin prototypes were displayed as early as 2010.

In December 2024, the government announced plans to establish an SPV under Section 8 of the Companies Act to finalise whether the program would proceed with the RTA‑90 design or adopt a clean‑sheet approach. This SPV is now the decisive step before engineering development and certification can begin.

The Indian Multi‑Role Helicopter (IMRH) is a 12–13 tonne medium‑lift platform intended to replace the ageing Mi‑17 fleet across the Army, Air Force, and Navy. HAL has advanced the design freeze stage and is optimistic about Cabinet Committee on Security clearance.

The helicopter is expected to roll out prototypes by 2028, begin flight trials in 2029, and achieve certification by 2031. It will feature payload capacity of up to five tonnes, range exceeding 800 kilometres, and advanced avionics including fly‑by‑wire controls.

Powered by the Indo‑French “Aravalli” turboshaft engine developed with Safran, it is designed for hot‑high performance across India’s varied terrains. The Deck‑Based Multi‑Role Helicopter (DBMRH) is its naval variant, incorporating folding rotors, corrosion‑resistant materials, and reinforced landing gear for carrier operations. HAL has pledged to self‑fund about 30 percent of DBMRH development, with the remainder expected from government support once the SPV is approved.

The SPV model is central to both projects. It will pool resources from HAL, government ministries, and private industry, ensuring risk‑sharing and faster execution. For the RTA‑70, the SPV will decide on final design direction and oversee certification, while for IMRH/DBMRH it will structure funding and industrial participation.

Without these SPVs, both programs remain stalled at the pre‑development stage despite years of design work. Their approval will shape India’s aerospace landscape for the next decade, enabling indigenous production of both civil and military platforms.

These projects are strategically vital. The RTA‑70 addresses India’s growing demand for regional connectivity under schemes like UDAN, while IMRH/DBMRH will modernise rotary‑wing capabilities across services and reduce dependence on imports.

Together, they represent a major leap in India’s aerospace self‑reliance, with spill over benefits in advanced materials, avionics, and manufacturing ecosystems. Thousands of jobs in engineering, metallurgy, and composites are expected to be created once SPVs are operational.

Agencies