India’s rotorcraft industry is seeking a closer relationship with Australia’s helicopter and drone industries.
The Rotary Wing Society of India recently called the new Australian based Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association to discuss the global recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and other topics of mutual commercial interest within APAC. As a result, an online meeting with RWSI key players was held during August 2020. Air Vice Marshall K Sridharan, VM (G), retired, who is the editor of Rotor India, chaired the meeting.
One item of interest concern was the mountainous border between India and China. Both nations claim border intrusion incidents occur, which result in political protests. The current geopolitical situation due to tensions between China and the USA has some odd side effects. It is alleged China often threatens to impose trade embargoes with nations involved in politically orientated disputes.
One example was the threat to restrict the delivery of Chinese drones to India as a form of protest after a border incident. India's commercial drone fleet of more than one million is projected to grow by 12.4% per year during 2020-2026. It is claimed India relies upon China for the provision of drones and associated technology. One senior Indian spokesperson suggested there are probably around 30 million recreational drones in India. These are not required to be registered.
India like many nations in the Asia-Pacific region are concerned their over dependence on China for the supply of complex aviation advanced technology and equipment may be suffocating their own R&D and industrial capability.
This explains the ‘Make in India’ advisories now being circulated to emphasise the need to seek other trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region. National leaders have clearly stated India needs to reduce its dependency on China’s expanding and very successful aviation manufacturing industry.
The Rotary Wing Society of India has 15 Honorary Members, 183 Corporate Members (including 90% of helicopter operators), and 1,257 Life Members. The strength of Life Members has grown steadily since the establishment of the Society. Most of these life members have made major contribution to Indian civil & military aviation and bring a great deal of corporate knowledge to the RWSI. More video conferences are planned prior to 2021. A list of Australian rotorcraft business companies and associations is being prepared by the Rotorcraft Asia-Pacific Business Association for the RWSI on behalf of their commercial, military and government membership.
International observers are puzzled by the lack of helicopters in a country which has more than 1.4 billion people. Data provided by the RWSI shows the civilian helicopter fleet is only 244. The Indian register shows private owners operate 37 helicopters. (six piston and 31 turbine). Non-scheduled operators: (charter) have five piston and 176 turbine machines for a total of 181. Government & public service agencies have 19 turbine and paramilitary seven.
There are 770 military helicopters in service with the Army Aviation Corps (191), Indian Air Force (474, Indian Navy Fleet Air Arm (84), and Coast Guard (21).
By comparison, Australia has 2,357 civilian helicopters and New Zealand 914 – a total of 3,271 or around 13 times more than India’s fleet.
However, Australia’s 160 military helicopters and NZ’s 15 airforce machines are outnumbered four to one by the Indian armed forces.
Russian Helicopters has announced India will buy 200 Ka-226T military helicopters from Russia. 140 will be manufactured in India under their Make in India project.