India pushes ahead with Ka-31 AEW purchase
The Indian Navy is pushing ahead with a planned deal for ten new Ka-31 AEW helicopters. (IN)
India's fleet of Ka-31 AEW helicopters is ageing, and new examples are needed to equip forthcoming warships.
The Indian Navy (IN) is advancing its long-pending procurement of ten Ka-31 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters for an estimated INR36 billion ($480 million), for deployment aboard two aircraft carriers and varied frontline warships.
Industry sources said the IN recently asked the MoD to ‘swiftly resolve’ some ‘deviations’ in the original tender to expedite the purchase of the twin-engine Ka-31s.
Four have been earmarked for deployment aboard INS Vikrant, the navy’s indigenous 37,750t aircraft carrier scheduled for commissioning in August.
The remaining six AEW helicopters are intended for four under-construction Project 11356M Talwar-class frigates and other assorted
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities]()
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
