Russia orders Ka-52K helicopters for Mistral-class LHDs

[Saifullah Sani]

Russia has ordered a batch of Kamov Ka-52K 'Hokum B' naval attack helicopters for the Russian Navy's Mistral-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessels.

Speaking to IHS Jane's , a Russian defence industry source stated that the order included 32 Ka-52K helicopters. These will be built by Progress Aresenyev Aviation Company 'Nikolai Sazykin', a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters.

Each Mistral-class LHD is capable of operating an air wing of around 16 naval helicopters, although their air group composition has yet to be finalised. One option could see the LHDs operating a mixed air group of eight Ka-52K strike helicopters and eight Ka-29TB 'Helix' assault transport helicopters. One or two Ka-27PS 'Helix-D' search-and-rescue helicopters may also be included. No order has yet been placed for other potential elements of the Mistral's air wing, although these could be drawn from existing stocks.

The main technological challenge that the Mistral-class will present to the Russian Navy is the need to adapt them, given that they have been built in compliance with civil-use standards and requirements - rather than to military standards.

The two Mistral-class vessels in production for the Russian Navy have been modified compared with the baseline version for the French Navy. These changes include changes in hull construction to enable them to be used in northern latitudes, including in ice conditions. The height of the vessels has also been increased due to modifications to the ships' internal hangars to allow them to accommodate large helicopters like the Ka-52K and Ka-27PS.

Additionally the vessels have been modified for the installation of extra armament, including anti-air systems and large calibre automatic weapon stations for combating surface threats. The logic behind increasing the vessels' onboard armament is to enable the Russian Navy to use them in the open sea with a smaller escort.

Russia orders Ka-52K helicopters for Mistral-class LHDs - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Juggernautjatt]

One of the best helicopter in its class operating on one of the best LHD in world will be deadly combination.

 

[Talha Mateen]

Will it going to be sold to India as well or will IA, IAF and IN totally committed with Apache....

 

[Juggernautjatt]

They are offered to India by Russians
Kamov ready to supply seaborne helicopters to Indian Navy | Russia & India Report
But I don't think presently IN will show any interest in this helicopter because currently they don't have any LHD vessel.
Indian Navy is in process of building LHDs but it will take time & it is still too early to say anything about IN naval attack helicopter procurement.

 

[EagleEyes]

They are offered to India by Russians
Kamov ready to supply seaborne helicopters to Indian Navy | Russia & India Report
But I don't think presently IN will show any interest in this helicopter because currently they don't have any LHD vessel.
Indian Navy is in process of building LHDs but it will take time & it is still too early to say anything about IN naval attack helicopter procurement.

What is the status on the LHD? And what are they trying to procure for naval heli needs?

 

[Archie]

well
our fleet of Sea Kings and Ka28 helis is ageing
and we do require replacement
their is an ongoing contract for 16 Naval helis
but we have no idea about the progress being made on dat

well
our fleet of Sea Kings and Ka28 helis is ageing
and we do require replacement
their is an ongoing contract for 16 Naval helis
but we have no idea about the progress being made on dat

 

[Juggernautjatt]

What is the status on the LHD? And what are they trying to procure for naval heli needs?

Last year India's ministry of defence finalized a project for the procurement of four LHD type multi role support vessels (MRSV). The project is worth US$ 2.6 billion, and tenders were issued in December 2013 to three domestic shipyards.
For this tender Larson & Toubro (L&T) shipyard has tied up with Navantia of Spain for Juan Carlos I Class type design.
Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering has partnered with France’s DCNS for Mistral Class type design.
ABG Shipyard has partnered with USA's Alion.
After the winning design is selected, the private shipyard will construct two LPDs and the remaining two will be constructed by state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL).
IN has already completed the field evaluation trials for its Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) tender of 16 helos with option of placing orders for another 44 in future. Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk & NH-90 are in race.