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The Russian military has successfully tested the upgraded Ka-52M attack helicopter in Ukraine, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on September 2.
On February 24, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the declared aims of demilitarizing and denazifying the country.
“Currently, the Ka-52M is undergoing state trials and the military has made a decision to test the upgraded gunship in the special operation. The helicopter has proven its worth in action. Following the results of its use, defense officials gave their recommendations to the industry for finalizing and fine-tuning some systems,” the unnamed source said.
The Ka-52M is a deeply upgraded version of the Ka-52 attack helicopter, which first entered service with the Russian military in 2011.
The upgraded helicopter is equipped with an improved day\night capable optical targeting system, a new phased array radar, a new active protection system, a new battlefield command and control system, a stronger undercarriage wheels and an improved cockpit ergonomics.
The Ka-52M will be armed with the LMUR [light multipurpose guided missile]. The optical-guided missile, which has a range of more than 14 kilometers, have been already successfully tested in Ukraine.
It’s worth noting that the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with a defense manufacturer at the Army 2022 international arms show in August on the supply of upgraded Ka-52M attack helicopters to the Russian military.
Ka-52 attack helicopters have been playing a key role in the ongoing Russian special military operation Ukraine by providing troops on the ground with close air support and conducting reconnaissance missions.
