New Delhi: Concerned with the uncertainties in arms supplies post Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other factors, India has suspended indefinitely negotiations with Russia to acquire 10 Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters for $520 million.
According to a US media outlet report, the Indian government has halted the negotiations with Rosoboronexport and original equipment manufacturer Russian Helicopters. The suspension is due to concerns over Moscow’s ability to execute orders as well as issues related to payment transfer. In addition, factors like geopolitical pressure, budgetary constraints and India’s preference to acquire locally developed helicopters may also be the reasons at play.
The Navy currently operates 14 Ka-31 helicopters, which are dependent on the original equipment manufacturer for spare parts, repairs and overhaul support. It first bought the helicopter in 2003. Indian Navy officials have said the suspension represents a setback for the service because the Ka-31 helicopters are needed for the country’s second aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was locally built and will be commissioned later this year.
The Indian Navy’s request to buy additional Ka-31 helicopters was cleared by the government in 2019, but the acquisition talks resumed in February 2022 after negotiators settled on a price of $520 million for 10 Ka-31 helicopters. Later, the effort hit another snag as negotiators couldn’t come to an agreement on alternative payment mechanism.
In February, a British media outlet reported that the 10 helicopters had been earmarked to serve on the new aircraft carrier Vikrant, which is undergoing sea trials, and other ships. Four have been earmarked for deployment aboard INS Vikrant. The remaining six AEW helicopters are intended for four under-construction Project 11356M Talwar-class frigates.
For Indian Navy, the Ka-31 helicopters are vital to extending its radar coverage of the Indian Navy. The height at which helicopters operate give their radars a longer horizon and improved range to detect low-flying anti-ship missiles. The Ka-31 is equipped with a rotating radar called the ‘Oko’ to detect targets up to 200km away.
