Russia Returns Ka-52 and Ka-29 Helicopters to Naval Aviation
Russia has returned Ka-52 and Ka-29 helicopters originally intended for Mistral-class ships to active naval service, including missions against maritime drones.
Russia’s naval aviation has begun returning Ka-52 and Ka-29 helicopters to active service. These aircraft were originally intended for deployment aboard the French-built Mistral-class amphibious assault ships.
Military expert Dmitry Boltenkov reported this in a column published by Izvestia. According to him, the helicopters have been distributed across several regions in line with the Russian Navy’s current operational requirements.
Some of the aircraft were sent to Kamchatka and the Kola Peninsula, where they are being used for missions across the vast area of the Northern Sea Route.
Several helicopters were also assigned to the 318th Composite Aviation Regiment of the Black Sea Fleet. As a result, aircraft once intended for French-built ships are now being used by active units of Russia’s naval aviation.
Boltenkov also stated that the Ka-52 and Ka-29 helicopters are being used against enemy uncrewed surface vessels. These aircraft can detect and destroy maritime drones that pose a threat to ships and coastal infrastructure.