Russia has revived its pitch for the Ka-226T light multirole helicopters to India as the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program faces delays. According to RIA Novosti, Rosoboronexport plans to showcase two newly developed Russian aero-engines at Aero India 2025, including the VK-650V engine, designed for light multirole helicopters like the Ka-226T.
The Ka-226T is a light, versatile helicopter featuring twin coaxial rotors and a maximum takeoff weight of 3.6 tons, with a payload capacity of up to 1 ton. One of the key attributes of the Ka-226T is its modularity, allowing it to be quickly reconfigured with a transport cabin for up to six passengers or outfitted with specialized equipment modules for different operational roles.
At present, the Ka-226T is powered by French Arrius 2G1 engines, but Russia’s VK-650V is proposed as a replacement for better performance. The Ka-226T is part of a joint Russian-Indian venture for local production, with Indo-Russian Helicopters—where Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) holds a 50.5% stake, Russian Helicopters 42.5%, and Rosoboronexport 7%—handling the manufacturing. However, despite the partnership, the project has been slow to secure orders from India’s law enforcement agencies.
The renewed push for the Ka-226T comes at a time when India’s indigenous LUH program is progressing at a slower pace, making the offer of the Russian-made helicopter more attractive for India’s military and law enforcement needs. As the production timeline for the LUH stretches, the Ka-226T could serve as a potential solution, offering a versatile and adaptable platform for various operational roles in India.
