Few countries in the world have such huge helicopter requirements and although contracting processes in India take very long time, eventually choppers will be procured and operated in the Indian Subcontinent.
The “Buy and Make in India” policy implies that in order to win these contracts international helicopter OEMs will have to relinquish some of their industrial prerogatives. No matter if they chose to have manufacturing licensed locally, to establish an Indian production plant, or to enter into any sort of agreements with the Indian Public or Private sector. The end result will always be that a big chunk of the helicopters value chain will remain in India.
Obviously traditional OEM’s Tier 1-2 suppliers will be dramatically affected. Their products and systems may be replaced by others produced in India, or they might be requested by the OEM’s to contribute discharging offset credits in country.
At the end of the game, if the many SMEs that support helicopter operations internationally want to retain part of their business, they better start right away pursuing their own “Buy and Make in India” strategy. Food for thought.