Russian Helicopters Holding Company, part of State Corporation Rostec, and a number of Indian companies have signed memoranda of understanding at Aero India 2019, agreeing to explore the production of assemblies and components for the Ka-226T helicopter in India.

The MOUs were signed with Elcom, Valdel Advanced Technologies, Dynamatic Technologies, Integrated Helicopter Services and Bharat Forge, covering assemblies such as fuselage, blades, radio and landing gear.

“We have launched a new stage of the Ka-226T project: identifying the chain of manufacturers among Indian companies,” comments general director of Russian Helicopters Holding Company Andrey Boginskiy. “I am positive that the agreements reached today will result in a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation at a later stage when the production of Ka-226T is transferred to the customers' territory.”

The programme of localising the production of the Ka-226T helicopter in India is a key project within the scope of the 'Make in India' programme. The contract facilitates the delivery of 60 Ka-226Ts assembled in Russia and the production of 140 units in the territory of the partner country.

“The project opens up ample opportunities: I am sure that the rotorcraft assembled in India will be in high demand in this country as well as in third-party markets,” adds Victor Kladov, director for international cooperation and regional policy at State Corporation Rostec. “In particular, we intend to take part in a bid for the delivery of 111 naval utility helicopters for the Indian Navy. The selection of the Ka-226T will allow India to reduce expenditure for transportation, maintenance and personnel training due to the localisation of production in its own territory.”

The Ka-226T light utility helicopter features a coaxial main rotor system, a MTOW of 3.6 tonnes and is capable of transporting up to one tonne of payload. The helicopter can be fitted with a transport cabin, enabling transportation of up to six people or with modules carrying special equipment.