Russia is attempting to reenter the light military helicopter market in India by introducing the Kamov KA-226T, which is now outfitted with the VK-650 V, a new Russian engine. The goal of this action is to get past earlier challenges relating to French sanctions.
The VK-650 V engine was created and approved to do away with reliance on outside vendors, especially those in France.
The coaxial rotor design of the KA-226T improves safety in both maritime and mountainous environments. India needs more than 400 light helicopters for a variety of purposes, such as medical evacuations, utility missions at sea, and supplying high-altitude regions.
Even though India has produced its own Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a single production line might not be able to meet the demand for the many helicopters. At Aero India 2025, the HAL-developed LUH’s performance and cutting-edge features dazzled onlookers.It’s intended to take the place of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
An agreement to jointly manufacture Kamov KA-226T light-utility helicopters at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was signed in 2015 between Russia and India. Indo-Russian Helicopters, a joint venture (JV) in which HAL owns a 50.5% stake, Russian Helicopters owns a 42.5% stake, and ROSOBORNEXPORT owns a 7% stake, was supposed to produce the KA-226T locally.
Due to the development of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and limited access to French engines, the joint production of the KA-226T encountered difficulties and was halted following a review by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) in January 2022.
The delivery of a light helicopter that satisfies the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements is being delayed by HAL.
To satisfy the demands of paramilitary groups, law enforcement, and the civil sector, there is a sizable market for another locally produced helicopter.
The VK-650V engine will be on display by Rosoboronexport at Aero India 2025.
