Russia has formally agreed to forge a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics limited (HAl) to manufacture Kamov-226T twin engine light utility helicopters (lUH) under the 'Make in India' policy. While India will buy 60 helicopters off the shelf, the remaining helicopters will be manufactured here. The cost of the project is Rs6,600 crore.
These helicopters will replace the ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters used by the Army and IAF to sustain troops in high altitude areas like Siachen glacier besides inaccessible areas in the North-East. The formal nod was conveyed to India, defence ministry sources said here on Wednesday adding the consent was given by President Vladimir Putin. Incidentally, the two Governments in October last year had announced the joint venture during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Putin in Goa.
In all, the armed forces need more than 600 light utility helicopters to replace the nearly 40-year-old Chetaks and Chetaks now in service with the Army, IAF, Navy and Coast Guards.