Russia, India To Finalize Helicopter Deal

Russia is currently in talks with India for the production of Russian helicopters in India with the possibility of exporting them to third party countries, according to The Hindu.

"Initially the helicopters will be used to cater to the requirements of the Indian armed forces and only after that they will be exported", Russian diplomats were quoted as saying.

The helicopter deal was agreed upon during the Russian President Vladimir Putin December visit to New Delhi.  

The agreement stipulates assembling 400 Russian Mi-17 and Kamov-226T helicopters per year, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said during the visit.

The Mi-17 is a popular Russia medium twin-turbine transport helicopter used in more than 60 countries. The Kamov-226T is a light multipurpose helicopter with the maximum take-off weight of 4,000 tons. The Ka-226T is intended for performing special tasks including cargo and passenger transportation to hard-to-reach mountainous areas as well as rescue and patrol operations.

Russia has offered to fully manufacture in India one of its most advanced helicopters and that the final agreement on the matter will come up soon, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

India’s Defense Ministry is currently looking into public and private sectors to choose a partner company from within India, according to the report. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is named among the companies.