Russian Helicopters' Plant To Produce India's Ka-226T Helicopters To Speed Up Delivery

Russian Helicopters will launch the second production site for Ka-226T helicopters at its Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant to accelerate the assembly and delivery of the choppers to India.

"The Russian Helicopters Holding is creating a complementary production site of the Ka-226T helicopter at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in order to accelerate the fulfillment of the intergovernmental agreement on assembly and delivery of this latest light helicopter to India, the company announced Monday.

Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise will work with the Ulan-Ude plant on filling India's order as well as continue the full assembly of the helicopter for domestic clients.

Russia and India signed a joint Ka-226T helicopter manufacturing agreement at the October 15-16 Goa summit. Under the agreement, India and Russia Helicopter had Joint Ventured to Manufacture 190 Helicopters in 9 years.

According to the contract, the first 60 helicopters will be produced in Russia, and the production of the remaining 140 helicopters is being planned in India. In addition to the assembly, the agreement provides for maintenance, operation, repairs and technical support cooperation.

The Kamov Ka-226 is a small, twin-engined Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangeable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accommodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002.