After over a decade of competitions, at least two of which were subsequently cancelled for irregularities, India has signed an agreement with Russia to co-produce at least 200 Kamov Ka-226T light helicopters. During the official visit to Moscow by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an agreement was signed between India and Russia on cooperation in the field of helicopters. The document was signed in the presence of President Vladimir Putin and the Prime Minister of India.

Under the agreement, the State Corporation Rostec will organise the production of the Russian Ka-226T and its variants in India, in not less than 200 units. The document also provides for the maintenance, operation and repair of helicopters and their technical support.

“The agreement with India is the result of long work with our Indian partners. This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian Government in the framework of the ‘Make in India’. The organisation of manufacture of helicopters provided by the creation in India of Russian-Indian joint venture, which includes holdings Rostec Rosoboronexport and Russian Helicopters, and from the Indian side the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,” said General Director of the State Corporation Sergei Chemezov Rostec.

“Production of the light Ka-226T in India is a big step forward in the development of business relations between the two countries,” says Alexander Mikheyev. “Through the implementation of this ambitious project, we plan to strengthen the position of the holding company in the strategically important South Asian market. I am confident that the project will be successful, and will open new prospects for cooperation between India and Russia.”