Defence

New Delhi wants to develop 10t battlefield machine rather than buy Mil aircraft

India has asked Russia to partner it in the development of a 10t-class battlefield helicopter to replace Mil Mi-24/25/35s.

The offer was made during a visit by Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov to New Delhi. Ivanov is also chairman of Russia's new unified aerospace manufacturer United Aircraft (OAK), and was accompanied in New Delhi by OAK president Aleksei Fiodorov.

Russia has offered to sell Mi-35s and Mi-28Ns to India, as well as Mi-24 upgrade packages, but these have not found favour with New Delhi, which wants to develop a new helicopter. Preliminary talks with Russia had focused on using the Mi-28N as the platform.

India wants a jointly developed battlefield helicopter capable of serving more roles than the Mi-28N, which is designed for anti-tank missions. It would serve as a direct replacement for the Mi-24, and therefore, in addition to carry­ing guided and unguided weapons, would carry assault troops in its rear cabin compartment.

Russian engine manufacturer Klimov confirms that it is offering the VK-2500P powerplant to power the new 10t-class helicopter.

While rejecting Russia's proposals to upgrade Indian Mi-24/25s, New Delhi has agreed to a customised Mi-8/17 upgrade for aircraft not part of an earlier modernisation project agreed with Israeli firms.

Meanwhile, Mil is performing Mi-28N "Night Hunter" acceptance trials after receiving approval for the type to be used as Russia's principal anti-tank helicopter.

Russian air force commander Gen Vladimir Mikhailov says the rival Kamov Ka-52 will also be procured in small numbers for anti-terrorist operations in mountainous regions. "It's more stable in wind and better suited to operations in high grounds," he says.