Russia's bid for the multi-billion dollar deal of 126 multi-role combat aircrafts (MRCA) for India may be getting all the limelight on the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit but he will also have another card up his sleeve. Russia will be pushing for a joint programme with HAL for a new multi-purpose helicopter in the 10 ton category that would replace Mi 17s in the future.While notes have been exchanged and talks are scheduled during the Aero India show in Bangalore next month, Russia is already thinking of a BrahMos-style joint company to develop and market the helicopter. Officials insist that things are being talked out and they are looking forward to a versatile helicopter to suit India’s needs.“The joint venture is being discussed and we have offered to jointly develop a helicopter in the 10 ton category, similar to the Mi 24 and Mi 28 in service here,” Givi Dzhandzhgava, president of Federal Research and Production Center Ramenskoye Design Company, the main avionics development centre in Russia, said.The helicopter will be a multi-purpose aircraft with combat applications and troop landing capabilities, he added. Russia is also hoping that India would repeat an order for Kamov Ka 31, airborne early warning helicopters, for the Indian Navy. While the original order for nine Ka 31s has already been met, officials indicate that India may be ordering another batch of nine aircrafts.
