Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Mil are discussing the formation of a joint venture to upgrade the Russian design bureau's helicopters worldwide.
The initiative came from the Israeli company and talks between the two sides have been held in recent weeks in an attempt to work out a joint venture agreement.
IAI sources confirm that Mil has been approached and the idea is being evaluated. "The combination of a well-known design bureau and our upgrade capability could result in good business," says one source.
IAI's MATA helicopter division has been active in upgrade programmes, including Mil aircraft.
Earlier this year the Lahav division of IAI teamed up with the Kamov design bureau to offer an upgraded Ka-50 to Turkey.
Source: Flight International
