India’ Defence Acquisition Council approved a Rs 3,600-crore ($520 M) deal with Russia for 10 Kamov Ka-31 helicopters.

The Indian Navy will begin the negotiations later this month for new helicopters to be used by the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and future Gregorivich class ships.

The Kamov Ka-31 is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and control helicopter. It is based on the Ka-27 and it first entered service as the Ka-29 in 1989. It carries the rotating radar “Koryo-A”, that is folded and stowed below its fuselage when not in use, which can detect targets up to 250 km / 135 nm away.

The Indian Navy already operates the Ka-31 since 2003 having acquired 14 helicopters which can be deployed aboard the INS Talwar class frigates. Also used by the Indian Navy is the Ka-28, the antisubmarine export variant of the Ka-27.

The announcement follows last year's annual summit which witnessed Russian defense deals to India worth over $7 billion including frigates, submarines, S-400 air defence systems and assault rifles. The air force is also negotiating Su-30 and Mig-29 jets fighters.