Russian Helicopters to Press India for KA-226T Chopper Contract, Manufacturing Facility

Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginskiy is scheduled to meet Indian defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss when to sign a contract and what production facility to use for a JV manufacturing Ka-226T helicopters in India.

Besides, Boginskiy will discuss with Mrs. Sitharaman possibilities to increase import of helicopters to India and how to arrange after sales maintenance for helicopters manufactured in Russia and supply of spare parts and components, a Russian Helicopters release said today.

"Our joint Ka-226T project is implemented in line with the schedule, however, it is much to be done and we are at the very beginning. We also have a huge potential for developing after sales maintenance and we will certainly discuss this matter with Madam Minister," Andrey Boginskiy was quoted as saying in the release.

A cooperation agreement between India and Russia was signed in 2015 according to which Russian Helicopters jointly with Rosoboronexport will arrange supply and local production of Ka-226T helicopter in the amount of 200 units, of which at least 140 units must be manufactured by a joint venture located in India.

This joint venture established in June of 2017 will carry out assembly and repair operations and also be an integrator for Indian suppliers.