Rosoboronexport, at the Army 2023 forum, is waiting to sign deals from the Asian countries especially India, China and Bangladesh to sell Ka-226T helicopter.
The company is highlighting the Ka-226T light utility helicopter (LUH) at the military show and the company officials said that the helicopter is currently in strong demand in the Asia-Pacific (APAC).
Addressing a small group of journalists at the Army 2023 show in Moscow, a Russian Helicopters spokesperson, Alexander Zobovich informed the discussion with China centered around acquiring the civilian version of the KA-226T. The helicopter is currently in the final phase of its civilian certification, he said.
Rostec said Ka-226T helicopters have high potential on Chinese market with its increasing demand for universal rotorcrafts. The choppers are based on the unique coaxial rotor system, which allows to land on small unequipped grounds and to maneuver amid highlands and restrained urban conditions. These attributes perfectly suit China with its landscape and modern metropolises.
The Ka-226T could offer an advantage over the Chetak/Cheetah and the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in terms of survivability in hazardous terrain due to its dual-engine design and co-axial propeller. He said the Indian side is considering the purchase of ready-to-fly helicopters.
The Kamov Ka-226 (NATO reporting name: Hoodlum) is a small, twin-engine Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangeable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accommodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002.
A number of countries in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa are interested in buying Russian-made Ka-52E, Mi-28NME and Mi-17 helicopters with advanced guided weaponry, Rosoboronexport's head Alexander Mikheyev told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2023 forum.
"Indeed, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ka-52E, Mi-28NME and Mi-17 helicopters with cutting-edge guided weapons performed very well in combat. A number of countries in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa are interested in purchasing them," the head of the state arms seller said.
Mikheyev added that the primary task for Russian helicopter manufacturers is to satisfy the domestic demand.
"At the same time, we are considering requests for such items after fully meeting the needs of the Russian armed forces," he said.
Earlier, Mikheyev told TASS that Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets and Ka-52 assault helicopters enjoyed increased demand among foreign customers following their combat employment in the zone of the special military operation in Ukraine. Weapon systems from Rosoboronexport's catalogue have proven to be easy-to-operate and reliable armaments that are very effective in fighting Western competitors' advanced equipment, he added.
The Army-2023 International Military-Technical Forum took place at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center, the Alabino shooting range and the Kubinka airfield on August 14-20. The event was organized by the Russian Defense Ministry.
