The Indian Navy is moving ahead with plans to convert its ageing Chetak helicopters into autonomous, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). Bengaluru-based startup Xinfiniti AeroSpace has begun ground trials for the project after securing a contract from the Ministry of Defence under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework.

The Manned to Uncrewed Conversion (M2UC) programme could place India among just six countries capable of converting retired military helicopters into unmanned platforms. The move aims to reduce risks to personnel and lower operational costs.

Under the Naval Chetak Autonomous System (NCAS) programme, Xinfiniti AeroSpace is removing the helicopter's traditional cockpit and human-operated systems. These are being replaced with autonomous flight controls and ground monitoring systems.

Vishal Kumar Verma, CEO of Xinfiniti AeroSpace, said the project has crossed Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. The platform is expected to undergo critical test flights in the coming months. The company aims to achieve operational readiness at TRL 8 before the next financial year.

The Chetak is a licence-built version of the French Aerospatiale Alouette III, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It has served the Indian armed forces since 1961, when it was first deployed aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Verma said the Navy's decision to entrust a startup with this complex conversion marks a first for India. The modified helicopters could support high-risk combat reconnaissance and heavy cargo transportation, including operations in difficult weather conditions. He described the platform's potential as the highly reliable, cost-effective "Maruti 800" of defence helicopters.

The technology could also support civilian operations, particularly large-scale disaster management and relief missions. Xinfiniti AeroSpace is in discussions with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force to explore similar conversions.

The Navy and Coast Guard together operate around 70 Chetak helicopters. The Army and Air Force have a combined fleet of more than 300 ageing Chetak, Cheetah and Cheetal helicopters approaching phased retirement. This offers significant scope for the conversion programme.

The company recently displayed a model of its pilotless helicopter at the Indian Navy's Swavlamban 5.0 innovation seminar.

Xinfiniti AeroSpace has also developed an indigenous Helicopter Emergency Flotation System (HEFS) for the Navy. Awarded under iDEX in May 2025, the project was completed by December that year. The system helps helicopters remain afloat after emergency water landings. It replaces costly imported equipment previously sourced from the United States, Russia and Europe.