Ukraine war, sanctions cast shadow on Indo-Russian joint venture for 200 choppers
BENGALURU: The Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) to manufacture 200 Kamov helicopters in India has remained in limbo as the Ukraine war, Western sanctions on Russia, and post-Covid supply chain disruptions have hampered its progress.
India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement in 2015. Subsequently, HAL and Russian Helicopters floated a JV - Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited (IRHL) - to implement the project.
"The Russians have had their own issues with their war with Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on them. They faced issues securing parts - particularly those previously sourced from Europe. Even the engine was coming from Europe.
Now they are testing with their own engine," HAL CMD DK Sunil told TOI, adding that HAL has been told the status of certification would be shared by the end of this year.
He said the Russians even agreed to the 70% indigenisation clause but that they needed time. Of the 200 helicopters, 135 are meant for Army and 65 for IAF. "We've asked them for details. At present, it's in a fluid state. We'll wait for their certification status before taking a call," Sunil added.
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Since the JV remains stalled, HAL is shifting focus to its indigenous platforms - light utility helicopter (LUH), light combat helicopter (LCH), and the upcoming Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH).
Sunil said HAL's new helicopter complex in Karnataka's Tumakuru is already producing LUH and will gradually become the centre of future rotary-wing production. "We've built eight LUHs there already. LCH will move there in a phased manner. Eventually, even IMRH, our 12-tonne-class helicopter, will be built there," he said. The Tumakuru facility, once fully operational, is expected to ease pressure off HAL's Bengaluru helicopter division, which will continue producing advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
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