Iran to build Ka-226s

Following India’s earlier decision, Russian Helicopters have now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran’s Industrial Development & Renovation Organisation (DRO) for launching licence production of the Ka-226 utility helicopter in Iran. As reported earlier, an Indo-Russian joint venture is to produce Ka-226 utility helicopters to replace Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian armed forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Russian Helicopters and Rosoboronexport will set up the joint venture under a $1bn deal that was agreed last October. A total of 60 Ka-226T helicopters will be supplied to India in ‘flyaway’ condition, while 140 more are to be manufactured in India.