Ukraine Kamov Ka-27 to be replaced

Late December 2021, the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Rear Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, spoke about the current state and development of the Ukrainian Navy and the main tasks of the Морская авиационная бригада (Ukraine Marine Aviation Brigade), in particular, the naval ship-based helicopters.

According to Oleksiy Neizhpapa; “The two main tasks that the naval aviation faces now are to ensure operations both over the sea and over land." The Marine Aviation Brigade has the Kamov Ka-27PL and Kamov Ka-29 in its inventory, but the Ka-29 has been withdrawn from use for a long period.

In the interview with the UNIAN News Agency the Rear Admiral 'confirmed' that the helicopter will be succeeded with a western type. On the number of helicopters involved he talked on five to six for the specific task. However, the final decison on the new type of helicopter will be made by the Ministry of Defence.

The Ka-27PL helicopter is designed to provide anti-submarine defense of the fleet being deployed on various classes of ships. It is capable of detecting submarines and surface targets, transmitting reconnaissance data to the ship and coastal posts, as well of engaging the identified targets.

The Ka-27PL helicopters are operated by the Marine Helicopter Squadron at Mykolaiv/Kulbakino.

Photo by Marco Dijkshoorn