Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
Indian Navy looking at Leonardo Merlin HM Mark2 AEW helicopter as an alternative to Russian Kamov Ka-31
Amid the halted negotiations between India and Russia for the acquisition of 10 Kamov Ka-31 helicopters worth $520 million, the Indian Navy has started looking at German defence aerospace company Leonardo’s (Formerly Agusta Westland) Merlin HM Mark 2 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) helicopter variant as an alternative that is equipped with the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) radar.
The Merlin HM Mark 2 has emerged as the sole alternative to the Kamov Ka-31 helicopters in its class for INS Vikrant as it uses a high-power radar to provide Long-Range Air, Maritime and Ground tracking capabilities that will ensure early detection of potential threats and vital surveillance for the entire fleet of the Navy warships. Indian Navy looking at Leonardo Merlin HM Mark2 AEW helicopter as an alternative to Russian Kamov Ka-31 IgMp
