Kamov Ka-52M Serang Helicopters Get A New Order System: Improve Night War Capabilities To Target Detection

Illustration of Kamov Ka-52 helicopter. (Wikimedia Commons/Anna Zvereva)

JAKARTA - A new vision system will enhance Russia's Ka-52M attack helicopter combat capabilities, allowing it to use weapons effectively at night, according to sources in the domestic defense industry.

"The Ka-52M helicopter combat efficiency will be substantially improved, through an upgrade to the system that will enhance its ability to use weapons at night," the source told TASS, as reported October 28.

"The target detection range and identification of enhanced thermal imaging channels have been duplicated," the source continued.

The upgrade was driven by the experience of using Ka-52 helicopters in Syria, where most warships operate at night, he added.

During their operations in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Ka-52 assault helicopter used the Vikhr anti-tank missile with a maximum attack range of 8 km.

Improved helicopter vision systems will make it possible to use new guided ammunition, the source said.

"Work is underway to install the Safar radio station and expand the range of the Vikhr missile to 10 km," he added.

TASS does not yet have official confirmation of this information.

A TASS source said on September 2, a modernized Ka-52M attack helicopter was tested during a special military operation in Ukraine. The source also previously said that the state's test of the upgraded helicopter would be completed in October 2022.

To note, the Ka-52M helicopter is an upgraded version of the Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter. As the designers said, the Ka-52M missile armament has been standardized with a series of Mi-28NM helicopter weapons, other advanced Russian attack weapons, which have helped increase its attack range significantly.

The Ka-52M is also equipped with a new gradual array radar station and long-range missiles. The upgraded combat prototype made its debut flight on August 10, 2020.

The KA-52M design features the best technical solution: the acquisition and identification system of gyro-stabilized remote optoelectronic targets, new digital drives to increase gun-shoot accuracy, new chassis wheels with disk-breaking equipment, and more aus-resistant aircraft tires.

According to TASS data sources, Ka-52M will showcase network-centric capabilities to co-operate with unmanned aerial vehicles and interact with helicopters and other aircraft.

Ka-52M has also received an upgraded defensive suite against all portable air defense systems and ballistic protection