Localization of Ka-226T helicopter's production in India to take 8-10 years
BANGALORE (India). Feb 22 (Interfax) - Localization of the Kamov Ka-226T helicopter's production in India will take eight to ten years, Russian Helicopters holding head Andrei Boginsky told Interfax.
"We are aware that this is a very long and complicated process, both from the technical and commercial angles. [...] The project will be implemented within eight to ten years after we sign [the contract]," Boginsky said.
Russian Helicopters started preparations in 2018 before the conclusion of the contract, he added.
"Our work will continue. We have had a conference with about 30 Indian and Russian suppliers and continued our discussion," Boginsky said.
Memoranda were signed with Indian companies on the sidelines of the AeroIndia 2019 exhibition on Wednesday pertaining to the localization of production of main systems and units of the helicopter in India, he said.
"A lot needs to be done to organize the transfer of technologies. We need to see production facilities of our partners, sort out documentation, and conclude agreements on the right to use this documentation. We are prepared to intensify the talks," Boginsky said.
Russia and India signed an agreement on cooperating in helicopter building in 2015. The agreement said that Russian Helicopters would organize the supply to India and localize the production of the Kamov Ka-226T helicopter and its modifications. India will get a total of 200 helicopters, including at least 140 to be built by a joint venture in India. The agreement also stipulates maintenance, operation, repairs and technical support to the helicopters.
The $1-billion contract has yet to be signed.
As reported earlier, the first Ka-226T helicopters for India will be built in Ulan Ude. As time passes, the production will be moved to the premises of the Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited joint venture based in India. For now, Ka-226T is being manufactured by the Kumertau Aircraft Plant in Bashkortostan.