kilometers and a new radar. Aérospatiale SA 316 Alouette III: Also known as the Chetak, these choppers have seen active service in the Navy as well as the Coast Guard. They are carried on several combatants as well as non-combatant ships. They are also operated from and maintained at the INS Shikra and INS Utkrosh Naval Air Stations in Mumbai and Port Blair respectively. MH-60R helicopters – The Indian navy is purchasing 24 MH-60R helicopters to replace its Sea king ASW fleet. On 17 July 2021 first 2 helicopters were inducted in service 22 more to be delivered soon. UAVs The Indian Navy operates at least two squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs, based in Kochi (INAS 342) and Porbandar (INAS 343). There are plans to have at least two more squadrons of UAVs. UAVs are controlled from ships to increases the range of surveillance. There are plans to introduce rotary UAVs into the Indian Navy. These UAVs will have higher endurance and load carrying capability resulting in better reconnaissance capabilities. Indian Navy operates 2 leased MQ-9 Reaper for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean region. Future aircraft Fixed-wing aircraft HAL TEDBF: This aircraft will feature canard and with significantly higher weapons payload, range and safety margin at sea is underway. The HAL has mock up with its scale model during Aero India 2021. It will also have an Air force version. HAL HJT-36 trainer aircraft to replace the older HAL Kiran. Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft: The Indian Navy issued an RFP for six medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft. The possible contenders are; the ATR-72MP/ATR-42MP, the EADS C-295MPA/C-235MPA, the Dassault's Falcon 900MPA and the Embraer P-99A. The procurement number has been enhanced to 9 as per news reports in February 2012. ShinMaywa US−2:Indian Navy intends to acquire 12 US-2 amphibian aircraft for conducting long-range search-and-rescue operations at cost of $1.65 billion. Two US-2 will be directly imported and remaining 10 will be assembled locally in India. In April 2018, Mahindra Defence signed an MoU with ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. to manufacture and assemble the aircraft, and set up MRO facility in India. Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters: In late January 2017, the Indian Navy released an international Request for Information (RFI) for 36 "Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters" (MRCBFs), asking for responses by mid-May. The envisaged roles include shipborne air defense, air-to-surface attack, buddy aerial refueling, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, etc. The