Russian Helicopters holding company and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are working on the exterior appearance of the Ka-226T light multi-role helicopter that will be manufactured both in Russia and India.

The agreement on the joint work in helicopter engineering between the two countries’ governments was signed during the official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow last December. Around 200 Ka-226T helicopters and derivative models are to be built under the agreement. Sixty machines are to be manufactured in Russia and the rest by a joint effort in India. The agreement also contemplates maintenance, operation, repair, and technical support of helicopters.

“Negotiations are currently underway in India between Russian Helicopters and HAL. The parties are discussing the prospect of involving several companies in the Ka-226T project under the framework of the ‘Make in India’ programme. At this point options for the helicopters’ exterior design are being decided on, the areas of responsibilities are being allocated, and cooperation issues are being elaborated”, Ekaterina Pavlova, spokesperson for Russian Helicopters holding company, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

Designed by a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters, Kamov company, the Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopter is manufactured at the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise. It has a coaxial rotor design providing superior handling and power-to-weight ratio.