HAL has pitched them, but IN rejected it for strange reasons. First it was performance (back then the older Dhruv version with Turbomecca engines were used), then it was not automatically folding rotors, then it was range.
HAL has offered to modify it, but IN denied, instead they strangely now searching not only for bigger naval helicopters like the NH90 or S70, but also for helicopters in Dhruvs class, so much for INs support for indigenous products.
Yes, although I find the general naval version is a beauty!
More importantly, it would serve the purpose with some simple changes. Get an automatic folding system if necessary, re-design the nose section similar to the AW 159:
And upgrade it with the latest engine and avionics from Rudra. You could even take the same stubwings to carry light anti ship or A2G missiles. Not to mention that many countries uses smaller naval helicopter for their coast guard patrol boats or corvettes, which offers some export potential too.
P.S. I think the opening article is confusing all the different naval helicopter orders, we actuall heared about around 70 x NH90/S70 class helicopter and some 50 x Dhruv / EC Panther class helicopters deals, so it might be a total of 120 new helicopters and not another deal.