Indian Army to request waiver to take Kamov-226T Utility Helicopters

  • IASbaba
  • December 28, 2020
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Indian Army to request waiver to take Kamov-226T Utility Helicopters

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III –Defence and Security

In news 

  • The Indian Army is going to approach the Defence Ministry for a waiver to take the Kamov-226T (Ka-226T) utility helicopters with Russia.

Key takeaways 

  • In 2015, India and Russia concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 200 Ka-226T helicopters estimated to cost over USD 1 billion.
  • The Kamov-226T is meant to replace Cheetah and Chetak fleets of the Indian Army and the Air Force.
  • The Ka-226T is a design of Russia’s famed Kamov design bureau.
  • It is a light helicopter, with a maximum take-off weight of over 3.5 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 1 tonne.
  • The Ka-226T uses coaxial rotors which is especially advantageous in high-altitude environments. 
  • The Ka-226T also has a unique, detachable ‘mission’ compartment which allows the helicopter to be adapted for different roles such as surveillance and cargo delivery.

Issues with the Old Fleet of Helicopters

  • About 75% of the Army’s fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is over 30 years old which need urgent replacements.
  • Operational capability has been impacted due to deficiencies and non-availability of replacement.

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