HAL To Partner Russian Helicopters In Indian Ka-226T Project

Moscow and New Delhi have concluded an agreement to build at least 200 Ka-226T helicopters in India.

Russia and India signed the helicopter manufacturing co-operation deal during the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow earlier this month. The document was signed in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rostec said in a statement Tuesday.

According to the document, Rostec will be organizing the production of the Russian Ka-226T and its modifications in the amount of not less than 200 units in India. The agreement also provides for the maintenance, operation and repair of helicopters and providing them with technical support.

"The agreement with India is the result of long work with our Indian partners. This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project, implemented by the Indian government within the framework of the "Make in India" programme.

“Russian Helicopters and Rosoboronexport from the Russian side and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) from the India side will be part of the joint venture,” said CEO of the Rostec State Corporation, Sergei Chemezov.

In the future, the program can be extended and both partners are considering the possibility of joint access to other markets as well. Rostec is ready to deal with not only the localization of helicopters in India, we also offer our partners the localization of production technology", he added.

The light multipurpose helicopter Ka-226T, a development of the 'Kamov Company', is part of the holding company, 'Russian Helicopters.' It is built on the scheme coaxial rotors and features excellent handling and installed power. Ka-226T is equipped with modern navigation equipment.

It can easily manoeuvre in both, dense urban (between high-rise buildings) as well as non-urban environments (such as mountains). The absence of a tail rotor and compact dimensions allows the use of small airfields. The helicopter has a low noise level and meets the latest environmental requirements. It has a replaceable transport module, which allows a short time to change the functionality of the helicopter.