Russian Helicopters plan to introduce the Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopter, which bids for the helicopter tender of Indian Defence Ministry, at the 9th Aero India-2013 aviation show in Bangalore.
India is intended to purchase 197 light helicopters within the tender including 133 for the army and 64 for the Air Forces.
The tender lasts since 2003. Initially its shortlist had American Bell-407 and European AS550C3 by Eurocopter.
According to the fly-out of both rotorcrafts in India, the Eurocopter victory was expected. But Indian authorities ceased the tender due to suspected corruption of certain officers and civilian stakeholders lobbying Eurocopter.
New tender was announced in 2008 and at the moment it has Russian Ka-226T and European AS550C3 shortlisted.
Source: itar-tass.com
