Russian Helicopters, HAL Plans To Set Up Helicopters Production Unit In India

Russian Helicopters is in talks with its Indian partner Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to build helicopters and to establish long-term supply chain network in India.

Russian Helicopters (RH), along with its main partner HAL are planning to work with a number of companies in the manufacturing and supply chain of helicopters and spare parts, deputy chief executive officer Igor Chechikov told PTI.

"India is our strategic partner and we are working on a number of business plans to be a leading part of the 'Make in India' initiative," Chechikov said.

RH aims to finalize all discussions and configuration by this year end to move to the implementation phase of the contract.

RH and HAL, maintaining their long-term partnerships, will select a number of new qualified partners to participate in the helicopter production, offering opportunities to innovators within the small and medium enterprises, said Chechikov.

Additionally, RH and HAL are also discussing the supply of a number of new models of choppers to the Indian armed forces and Border Security Force, he said, underlining the importance of keeping RH's versatile brands on the forefront of the Indian market.

Chechikov also elaborated on the long-term contract for maintenance, covering aggregates and spare parts as well as training for personnel.

"Our proposals cover all segments of services to support the helicopter fleet in India," he said.

"We have high regards for the Indian armed forces professionals and their expertise. With this long-term contract, we aim to develop a schedule with them to support their helicopter services with a supply chain of an ever ready spare part stocks," Chechikov added.

“Several rounds of discussion have taken place on forming the joint venture company for the production of Ka-226T in India,” sources told defenseworld.net during the recently concluded DefExpo 2016 exhibition.

"We intend to strengthen our market position in South Asia, increasing sales of serial production and offering comprehensive after-sales service of helicopters. India currently operates more than 400 Russian-made helicopters and plans to expand its fleet" said Alexander Mikheyev, General Director of RH had said.