Lucknow: Indo-Russian joint venture has submitted a fresh techno-commercial proposal to the Ministry of Defence in a bid to expedite of much delayed production of Kamov military helicopters at Indian facility in Tumkur in Karnataka.
It is expected that the proposal would get a go-ahead in the next meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Under the joint venture, 200 Kamov 226T helicopters will be produced.
Of these, 60 will be supplied to India in readymade condition while remaining to be made in India under a $1 billion deal.
Kamov choppers are being procured in an effort to replace its ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The Kamov Ka-226T helicopter has 72 per cent Russian components and 28 per cent from various European nations.
"If we start manufacturing the helicopters today the first pahse we will be able to deliver it in 2025, an official known to the development said on Thursday.
Few years back, India and Russia had finalised a comprehensive agreement for the joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and two Russian defence majors for production of the helicopters at Indian facility.
"The first batch of helicopters will come out of our production facility at Tumkur in Karnataka by 2025 if everything goes as per plan," Indo-Russian Helicopters Ltd CEO N M Shrinath said.
The government approved the technical configuration for the twin-engine multi-role helicopter, which is known for its superior manoeuvring capabilities in mountainous areas.
The Kamov helicopters will be supplied to the Indian Air Force and the Army.
