India is reviving its Ka-226T light utility helicopter deal, valued at Rs 21,000 crore, following a visit by Defence Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and HAL CMD Dr. D.K. Sunil to Russia’s UEC-Klimov plant in Saint Petersburg on October 30, 2025. The focus of the visit was the integration of the Russian-developed VK-650V turboshaft engine, recently certified and optimized for high-altitude performance, addressing previous delays caused by reliance on the French Safran engine. The original deal, signed in 2015 for 200 helicopters, planned joint manufacture between HAL and Russian firms under Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited, with 60 imported and 140 locally produced. This revival is aligned with India’s strategic push for self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing, especially for challenging terrains such as Ladakh and Siachen. Simultaneously, the Indian Army has started global tenders for 156 light utility helicopters, underscoring a comprehensive upgrade of its rotary-wing fleet. The Ka-226T discussions are expected to feature prominently during President Putin’s December 2025 visit to New Delhi, renewing Indo-Russian defence cooperation.