Ka-226T Project with Russia Still On, No Conflict of Interest with LUH: HAL Official

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said India can accommodate both Ka-226T helicopter project and the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) since the two aircraft perform different functions.

HAL CMD C.B.Ananthakrishnan said during a press conference Tuesday “there was no conflict of interest” with the Kamov helicopter and the LUH.

“If the programme comes through, we are ready to start work,” he said.

In a recent interview to Russian state media, Vladimir Drozhzhov, deputy head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS), stated that negotiations with India on the production of Ka-226Ts have stalled since the targeted level of localisation of joint production has yet to be met.

The Indian Air Force requires Ka-226Ts to replace its inventory of outdated Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

The Ka-226T could offer an advantage over the Chetak/Cheetah and the LUH in terms of survivability in hazardous terrain due to its dual-engine design and co-axial propeller.

Separately, D.K. Sunil, Director (Engineering and R&D) of HAL, told Defense Mirror that the Ka-226T helicopters will be produced at HAL facilities if the project moves ahead. He said the contract “has not been called off.”