Rosoboronexport Hopeful Of Winning India’s Helicopter Tender

Russia’s state-run weapons exporter Rosoboronexport is hoping to win a heavy-life helicopter tender issued by the Indian Air Force. Rosoboronexport is facing serious competition from the Boeing Chinook CH-47F and the Russian upgraded Mi-26T2 Halo both of whom qualified in technical trials and financial bids, covering the initial acquisition cost as well as the lifecycle costs. The Mi-26T2 is the world's largest helicopter featuring an upgraded new glass cockpit, advanced airborne radio-electronic equipment and navigation system. Compared with the Ch-4F’s gross weight of 22,668 kg, the Mi-26T2 has a maximum take-off weight of 56,000 kg. The result of the tender is expected to be announced this year and the suppliers are given three years to deliver the first units after a contract is signed. A traditional Russian arms customer, India has placed several large defense orders with the U.S this year including a $4.1 billion contract for 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlifters, $2.1 billion for eight P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and $962 million for six C-130J transport aircraft. In addition, Boeing has won a $1.4 billion deal to supply India with 22 AH-64D Apache helicopter gunships.