Negotiations with India, China on KA-226T Sale Ongoing

Russian Helicopters has confirmed that talks are ongoing with India and China regarding the sale of KA-226T helicopters.

India initially expressed interest in purchasing 200 KA-226T helicopters in 2014. However, disagreements between the Russian manufacturer Kamov and HAL regarding technology transfer, indigenous content, and overall project costs have delayed progress.

In February 2023, HAL stated that both the KA-226T and the LUH could be accommodated by India since the helicopters serve different purposes. The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires KA-226Ts to replace its outdated fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The KA-226T offers an advantage over the Chetak, Cheetah, and India-made  Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in hazardous terrain due to its dual-engine design and coaxial rotor system, enhancing its survivability.

Separately, D.K. Sunil, Director (Engineering and R&D) of HAL, noted that if the project moves forward, the KA-226Ts would be produced at HAL facilities. He also confirmed that the contract "has not been called off."

There has been concern over potential U.S. sanctions due to the previous reliance on French engines to power the KA-226T. However, Russian Helicopters confirmed that its VK-650V engine, which will power future KA-226Ts, is currently undergoing testing. In June, the United Engine Corporation (UEC) supplied the first prototype VK-650V engines for testing. These prototypes, produced at ODK-Klimov in St. Petersburg, have already undergone preliminary and life tests.

The VK-650V engine, the first Russian helicopter engine in the 650-750 horsepower class, is designed to replace foreign engines in both Ansat and KA-226T helicopters. It offers greater take-off power and superior specific characteristics compared to foreign counterparts, making it a promising option for helicopters with a take-off weight of up to 4 tons.

In February 2023, Vladimir Drozhzhov, deputy head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS), mentioned that negotiations with India had stalled due to unmet localization targets for joint production.

Meanwhile, reports last year indicated that China was in advanced talks with Russian Helicopters to acquire an unspecified number of KA-226T helicopters. The KA-226T was upgraded a few years ago to enhance its high-altitude capability. Speaking at the Army-2023 show in Moscow, Russian Helicopters spokesperson Alexander Zobovich stated that discussions with China focus on acquiring the civilian version of the KA-226T.

Rostec noted that the KA-226T has high potential in the Chinese market due to its increasing demand for versatile rotorcraft. The helicopter’s coaxial rotor system allows it to land on small, unequipped grounds and to maneuver in highland and urban environments, attributes that suit China’s diverse landscape and bustling cities.