WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) — India’s Ministry of Defense announced plans to purchase Russian-made Kamov Ka-226T light multi-role helicopters.
Russian Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov spoke to Russian media sources on Tuesday, saying India was ready for a joint cooperation of the helicopter’s production. The preliminary agreement on the production of the Ka-226T helicopters was reportedly reached in December 2014 following talks between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Overall, the first stage may involve 200 Ka-226T helicopters, including purchased ready-made choppers and rotocraft produced by the joint venture in India,” a source told Russian state-owned news outlet Tass.
The Ka-226T, also known by its NATO-reporting name Hoodlum, is a light multirole helicopter designed for high-mobility and hovering capabilities. The aircraft features 580 h.p. FADEC-equipped Arrius 2G1 engines, and can be used for medevac and intensive care.
The Indian Ministry of Defense plans to procure the helicopters for its air force and army.