Russian Helicopters, HAL To Sign $1 Billion Deal To Produce Shipborne Ka-226Ts Soon: Rostec

The Russian Helicopters holding issued a statement on Wednesday that it intends to participate in the tender for the supply of 111 shipborne Ka-226T helicopters for the Indian Navy. 

This light multi-purpose helicopter can comfortably seat up to seven people or one ton of cargo, and it can be produced by the Russian-Indian joint venture, the creation of which was agreed upon in October 2016, the statement reads.  

According to the press release, the holding said India will get 200 helicopters in nine years – out of which 60 of those helicopters will be assembled in Russia, while the remaining 140 helicopters will be assembled in India with the participation of a local company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Later, the production of components shall be launched, and the final stage of the cooperation shall witness a full assembly of Ka-226T helicopters. 

The holding said the signing of the final contract on the terms and conditions of JV operation shall be signed by Russian Helicopters, Rosoboronexport and HAL in the first quarter of 2018. The total contract value shall amount to 1 billion US dollars. 

According to Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian Helicopters Holding Company, the Indian party will benefit from the powerful synergy if Russian Ka-226T helicopters are chosen. The Holding has already developed a marine modification of Ka-226T. In particular, the blade folding system in the shipborne modification of Ka-226T has already been certified. Moreover, the operation of a fleet consisting of one type of helicopters, including personnel training, will cost much less in this case.