HAL is working with Israel to convert its Chetak helicopter into an unmanned air vehicle. The Indian Navy has projected an initial requirement for 8 such helicopters.

The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.

In August 2011, Flight magazine reported that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) have been performing preliminary work on a prototype and are now close to signing a contract for the project.

Following the signing of a contract, a series of flight tests will commence.

The unmanned Chetak uses a flight control system developed by IAI using a Bell Helicopter 206.

The Malat unmanned air systems (UAS) division of IAI is working with HAL on the project under a wider cooperation agreement.