Moscow: Russia is to start deliveries of nine Kamov K-31 AWACS helicopters to India by the end of this year, under two separate contracts signed in 1999 and 2001.

The Indian Navy would start receiving the K-31 helicopters, which are fitted with "Oko" (Eye) radar, by the year-end, ITAR-TASS reported.

With their "Oko" radar, K-31 helicopters are capable of detecting upto 200 aerial targets at a time at the range of 110-115 km and surface ships at the range of 200 km.

India had signed a $ 92 million deal in 1999 for the purchase of four AWACS helicopters for deployment at INS Viraat aircraft carrier and three Krivak class frigates under construction in St Petersburg.

Later in February 2001 another $ 109 million deal was signed for the purchase of additional five Kamov flying radars for the Indian Navy.

Russia is scheduled to complete the deliveries of K-31 AWACS helicopters to India next year, which would have an improved cockpit and sophisticated global positioning and landing system "Kibris" developed by Moscow-based "Kronshdat" company.

PTI