The navy is also finalizing an RFP for a follow-on N-MRH to acquire 75 more helicopters as part of a fresh bid. The N-MRH will progressively replace the navy's Westland Sea King Mk. 42B fleet. Apart from the NH90, contenders for the N-MRH contract include the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R (which was dropped from the original MRH competition since the Indian navy did not want a single-vendor foreign military sale on which the Pentagon had insisted) and Eurocopter's EC 725 Caracal. The navy is also set to solicit bids for a long-delayed upgrade of its Sea King fleet, with original manufacturer AgustaWestland expected to compete against Israel Aerospace Industries' Lahav Div. In addition, the navy will shortly begin an effort to upgrade its fleet of Ka-28 Helix ASW helicopters.

Other major Indian rotorcraft developments include a recent decision by the air force and border security force to purchase 71 more Mi-17 V5 medium utility helos from Russia; 80 were acquired last year. The government is also expected to soon announce the winners of a two-part air force contest for 22 attack and 12 heavy-lift helicopters. While Boeing expects to win the first element with its AH-64D Block III Longbow, the latter is still a close call between the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-26T2 Halo.