India issues RFP for Ka-226T helicopters

The Indian Defence Ministry has issued a request for proposal for 200 Kamov Ka-226T helicopters, according to local media reports on September 5, 2018.

The majority of helicopters will be built in India by a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Rosoboronexport, Rostec-JSC and Russian Helicopters.

The helicopters are intended to replace India’s ageing leet of HAL Cheetah and Chetak helicopters; under the agreement, 60 will be built in Russia and the balance assembled in India by HAL.

The Hindu newspaper reports that, of the 60 Russian-built helicopters, 16 will be delivered to the Indian Air Force and the balance to the Indian Army. Nigel Pittaway