Moscow-headquartered Russian Helicopters Holding Company, part of Rostec State Corporation, has signed a roadmap with Indo-Russian Helicopters (IRH) for localising production of Ka-226T helicopters in India. “The roadmap will be the basis for further development of the Ka-226T localisation project in India, after the signing of the contract,” says Russian Helicopters director general Andrei Boginsky.

India is procuring 200 Kamov Ka-226T light utility helicopters from Russia for its armed forces, to replace its ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The joint venture will see the establishment of Ka-226T serial production in India, with the first lot of 60 helicopters brought from Russia. The remaining 140 units will be made at a production site near Bangalore, where Su-30MKI production has laid the groundwork in terms of manpower and facilities. This process of localisation of manufacture will allow India to reduce expenditure for transportation, maintenance and personnel training.

The roadmap defines the main stages and terms for organising production of the Ka-226Ts, with timelines for setting up production in India, contracting with suppliers, transferring design documentation, supplying technological equipment and machine kits, training Indian personnel and other key project stages.