Russia is set to unroll its new high-altitude light helicopter gunships and has offered its co-development to India as a package deal, which could also forsee cooperation in building 10-tonne-class choppers.
The offer comes as the country is also ready to unveil its new Kamaov-60 and next generation 10-tonne-class MI helicopters, which can be used as heavy lift troop carriers.
"We know Indian Air Force's urgent requirements for 10-ton-class helicopters and we have conveyed our readiness for joint development through the establishment of a joint holding company," Givi Dzhandzhgava, director general of the Ramenskoi Design company, told PTI.
"The Kamaov group by end of this year expects to roll out its new KA-52 helicopter gunships, which can be used at altitudes exceeding 5,000 to 6,000 metres," Dzhandzhgava said.
India has desperately been seeking to induct light helicopter gunships for use in mountainous terrain following its experiences in the Kargil conflict when the absence of such firepower forced it to use fighters firing missiles from stand off distance.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been conducting trials on light helicopter gunships by modifying the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters and indigenous Advance Light Helicopters.
