Egypt will begin receiving Ka-52 attack helicopters in 2017

Russian Helicopters’ parent company Rostec confirmed that the Egyptian armed forces will begin receiving its Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters in 2017 (Flight Global).

Egypt ordered 46 Ka-52K from Russia in December 2015 with the intent to operate them from their two newly acquired Gamal Abdel-Nasser-class landing helicopter docks (LHD). In September 2016, Egypt and Russia signed a training agreement, which will see Egyptian pilots train for the Ka-52K in Russia.

The Ka-52K is equipped with four hardpoints under its wings, which can take on laser-guided anti-tank missiles, rockets, air-to-air missiles, and laser-guided bombs. Powered by two VK-2500 turboshaft engines, the Ka-52K has a cruising speed of 260 km/h and a maximum speed of 300 km/h. The Alligator has an operational range of 460 km and ferry range of 1,100 km.

Notes & Comments:

Egypt is undergoing a significant defence modernization program, one that is generating improvements to its air force and navy. Russia is playing a central role in that respect, not only with the sizable Ka-52K order, but also with a U.S. $2 billion sale of MiG-29M/M2 (or MiG-35) multi-role fighters. Along with the Egyptian Navy’s new LHDs, the Ka-52Ks will provide Cairo with an attack-laden expeditionary arm.

Bilal Khan Founder

Founder of Quwa, Bilal has been researching Pakistani defence industry and security issues for over 15 years. His work has been cited by Pakistan's National Defence University (NDU), the Council of Foreign Relations, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Centre of Airpower Studies and many others. He has a Hons. B.A in Political Science and Masters of Interntional Public Policy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

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