The Russian navy will begin receiving 10 Kamov Ka-27M anti-submarine warfare helicopters per year beginning immediatey.
“This year, the number of Ka-27 helicopters arriving for naval aviation will make up another ten rotocraft. In compliance with the state armament program, the naval aviation is planned to be receiving 10 upgraded Ka-27M helicopters a year until the entire pool of these choppers is modernized,” the MoD said as quoted by TASS news agency.
Russia’s navy began receiving upgraded versions of the Ka-27M in December 2016, when the sea service accepted eight new choppers. Specifically designed for an anti-submarine role, the helicopter can operate aboard larger surface ships and helicopter and aircraft carriers. The design has been the mainstay of Russian anti-submarine warfare aviation since first entering service with the Soviet navy in the mid-1980s.
The newest versions are said to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar. The system reportedly is part of the command and tactical radar system that combines several other systems: acoustic, magnetometric, signals intelligence and radar.
Analyst comment: As the U.S. and NATO upgrades their submarine capabilities, it only makes sense that Russia would attempt to improve upon its sub-hunting capabilities.
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