Kamov Ka-31 Airborne Early Warning Helicopter (image: YouTube)

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved a $520 million (INR 3,600 Crore) deal for 10 Kamov Ka-31 helicopters with Russia to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

"The Defence Ministry cleared the INR 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov Ka-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI.

The helicopters will be tasked with clearing enemy presence in the airspace of the aircraft carriers. They will also be carrying out sea or anti-submarine warfare operations.

The Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov Ka-28 choppers along with the seeking choppers which were procured in 1980s and need to be upgraded for future operations.

The contract will now be processed by the Navy and after negotiations, it would be presented before the cabinet committee on security for final approval.