12 Ka-52s to be delivered to RuAF by Jan 2004

Twelve Ka-52 “Alligator” Helicopters Delivered to Russian Air Force Inventory

A group of Ka-52 “Alligator” strike helicopters will arrive in the near future in the Russian air force’s inventory, a representative of the Main Staff has reported. “Up to 12 Ka-52 helicopters will arrive in aviation units from December 2003 through January 2004,” he said.

The air force Main Staff representative did not rule out that the new strike helicopters may be transferred to Chechnya in time. “Depending on the developing situation in the republic, the Ka-52 may be sent to the North Caucuses. “The ‘Alligator’ already has completed tests in Chechnya and demonstrated the high effectiveness of its combat application,” he declared.
The air force staff representative noted that until recently, Russia’s air force has not had the Ka-52 “Alligator” helicopters at its disposal. “Suffice it to say that this is not an isolated delivery of new examples of military equipment, but a huge batch all at once,” he said. Interfax is reporting on this.

Source: 05.11.03, RTR-Vesti

This is HIGHLY unexpected. Like, I new the Ka-52 was ready for prime time (it’s finally in fully mission capable configuration with all required avionics and such fitted) and was reported to be in final tests back in August- this means, if true, that there are 12 Ka-52s practically ready for delivery- not to mention that this is more helicopters in one go than the Army has gotten for practically all of the 90s!

I assume the 344th Army Aviation’s training and evaluation centre in Torzhok will get them, to develop new doctrines and procedures. (The first Mi-24PN upgrades went there too IIRC).