Shipborne variant of Kamov Ka-226T proposed

Russian Helicopters are reportedly proposing a shipborne variant of its Kamov Ka-226T helicopter to the Indian Navy. The Ka-226T was subject of an agreement signed in October 2016 wherein, HAL took a 50.5% majority stake in the joint venture with Russian Helicopters having 49.5%. The first 60 Ka-226Ts will be imported as ‘flyaway’ for the Indian Army/Air Force with 140 thereafter to be built under licence by HAL.

Issues concerning compatibility of the Ka-226T on board Indian naval ships has been addressed by Russian Helicopters who believe they can modify the type for meeting the Indian Navy’s requirement for 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH). According to Russian Helicopters, “A delegation from the Indian MoD is to visit Kamov Design Bureau in order to participate in demonstration of the Kamov rotorcraft and familiarise themselves with the shipbased version.”