Well, you all should know that the Indian government had concluded a multi-billion dollar deal by October to procure 200 Kamov Ka-226T attack helicopters through a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and state-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. This deal is going to be very profitable for both countries and especially for India. You all may know that this deal isn’t just about the money or choppers even it showcases the power of both countries along with good friendly relation.
As per the official reports, almost all the groundwork is done and the mega project has been completed as the government is taking the deal seriously and will finish in just next four months. You all should know that an inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia was signed for the project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in December 2015.
After that in October 2016, the government of Russia had finalized the project and set up the joint venture (JV) between HAL and Russian Helicopters which will co-produce the choppers. You all should know that India is procuring the choppers to replace its aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters + . Also, the defense ministry issued Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Indo-Russian venture + for the project.
Now, reports are coming that 60 Kamov-226T helicopters will be supplied to India in fly-away condition and other 140 will be manufactured in India. The defense ministry has already approved the payment for setting up of the JV. A site in the vicinity of Tumkur near Bengaluru has been identified for setting up the facility to produce the choppers.
The Kamov helicopters will be supplied to the Indian Air Force and the Army. Both these forces have been pressing for early conclusion of the deal so that they could replace their aging fleet of existing choppers within next three to four years.
