Russia-India to ink deal for 200 Ka-226T choppers

The Dollar Business Bureau

Russia and India are likely to sign a manufacturing deal for 200 Ka-226T light utility multirole helicopters.

The contract is expected to be inked by the end of 2016, said the head of international cooperation department of Rostec, which was established in 2007 in a bid to promote production. development and export of hi-tech infused industrial products to cater to the needs of both defence and civil segments.

Viktor Kladov, head of department at Rostec, a Russian state corporation, revealed that though the intergovernmental agreement took place, the contract is yet to be drafted. Kladov further stated that the project work will commence from 2017.

The agreement, which was signed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia in December, details the making of minimum 200 choppers.

Russia is ready to transfer the projects to India which can be made in domestic boundaries, said Kladov while adding that the next phase will be assembled in India, which will require strong localization.

Kladov observed that the design of the helicopters will be inclusive of various functions, including target designation, reconnaissance, search, rescue and medical missions.

Kladov also stated that Russia could provide India’s Vikrant-class aircraft with air defense systems, airborne weaponry and a few more equipment.

The first Vikrant class carrier, INS Vikramaditya, was made in Russia. The second aircraft, INS Vikrant, will be the first home-made carrier of India. However, India will need Russian technical assistance in certain aspects of the project.