Russian Helicopters to press on with Ka-52 helicopter despite French Mistral dispute

Russian Helicopters  is to carry on with its customisation of the Ka-52 helicopter, despite France’s refusal to deliver the two Mistral warships that were supposed to be their carriers, the country’s Ministry of Defence assured  the manufacturer this week. Russian Helicopters had asked for the assurance after France halted delivery of the Mistral carriers last year in response to Russia’s support of separatist militias in Ukraine.
A reported  32 of the Ka-52s – whose standard design had been customised with folding rotor blades and winglets for storage in the ships’ hangars – had originally been ordered by the Ministry. The helicopters may end up being redeployed for service along Russia’s coasts, Russian Helicopters Deputy Director Alexei Shibitov has suggested.