Russia and India have signed 2 contracts for helicopter assembly in India - Rogozin
DELHI. Dec 11 (Interfax) - India will be producing helicopters of the Mil Mi-17 and Kamov Ka-226T types in its territory, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has told journalists.
An understanding was reached during Thursday talks between President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"There are two contracts. One for the Mi-17 which they really need and the second for Ka-226T. This is a big contract for assembly in the territory of India," Rogozin said.
He said almost 400 Kamov helicopters a year will be turned out.
Rogozin said that from the very start when India announced a tender for such helicopters Eurocopter was the main competitor of Russian vehicles. However, thanks to the unique capabilities of Ka-226 and special requirements of the Indian side the tender was cancelled and an understanding was reached on organizing the production of Russian vehicles in India.
Rogozin specified that the helicopter will be made in naval and mountain modifications.
Earlier on Thursday at a press conference after talks with Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Modi said that Russia offered "to manufacture one of its most advanced and modified helicopters fully on Indian territory, and there is also a chance to export them from India."
"It can be used both for military and civilian purposes. We will follow this project," he said.