Why in News?

• With the deal for Ka-226T utility helicopters with Russia not concluded five years after it was announced and its fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters at the end of their service life, the Army is set to approach the Defence Ministry for a waiver to take the deal forward.

About the deal and its need

• About 75% of the Army’s fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is over 30 years old. Some of them are about 50 years old.
• The operational capability has already been impacted due to deficiencies and non-availability of replacement.
• In 2015, India and Russia had concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for at least 200 Ka-226T twin engine utility helicopters estimated to cost over $1 billion with 60 helicopters to be directly imported and the remaining 140 manufactured locally. They are to replace the ageing and obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleet of the Army and the Air Force.

About Ka-226T

• The Kamov 226T is a light weight, twin-engine multi-role chopper that offers services for both military and civilian purposes.
• The military version is capable of working in extreme and difficult weather conditions such as hot climate, marine areas and high mountains.

Reference:

1. https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu/20201226/281943135493299