Leaked Documents Suggest China May Acquire Up to 50 Modernized Ka‑52s from Russia

 

Recent reports (March 2026) based on leaked Russian military-industrial documents suggest plans to supply China with 48–50 Ka‑52M attack helicopters. Although there has been no official confirmation from either Russia or China, the details in these documents provide a striking glimpse into potential Sino-Russian cooperation in advanced rotorcraft.

Key Details from Leaked Documents

Contract Scope: Planning documents from April 2022 and July 2024 list the supply of 48 units of the modernized Ka‑52M.

Delivery Timeline: The projected deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2027.

Client Identification: The documents code the foreign customer as “156”, which analysts and media outlets link to China, given the volume of the order and prior military-industrial collaboration.

Operational Context and Implications

The Ka‑52M is a modernized derivative of the Ka‑52 “Alligator,” featuring upgraded avionics, targeting systems, and survivability improvements. For China, acquiring a batch of such advanced attack helicopters could boost both land and amphibious operational capabilities, while deepening technology and operational interoperability with Russian designs.

China’s Previous Interest: Ka‑52K and Naval Aspirations

This potential contract is not an isolated case. In 2021, reports suggested that the Kamov Ka-52K Katran — the naval, shipborne variant — was being evaluated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) for use on its Type 075 amphibious assault ships. Interest in acquiring 36 Ka‑52K units underscored China’s ambitions to enhance expeditionary and sea-based attack capabilities.

While the current leaked documents focus on the Ka‑52 and Ka‑52M, analysts warn that the Ka‑52K should not be discounted, especially if China aims to operate the helicopters both from land bases and amphibious vessels, offering maximum flexibility.

This prospective deal illustrates the deepening military and industrial ties between Russia and China, extending beyond simple platform sales. Analysts note that these agreements often include technology transfer, munitions production support, and training of Chinese personnel in Russian facilities.

For regional and global observers, such a deal signals China’s ongoing strategy to diversify its attack helicopter fleet, acquire battle-proven systems, and reduce reliance on domestic designs for immediate operational capability.

Although not publicly confirmed, the leaked industrial documents suggest a significant step in Sino-Russian defense cooperation. The potential acquisition of Ka‑52M helicopters, alongside the continued interest in Ka‑52K naval variants, points to China’s intent to modernize and expand its rotary-wing strike capabilities for both land and amphibious 

Egyptian navy buys 46 Ka-52K attack helicopters

Egypt is to acquire 46 navalised Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters to equip its new French-built Mistral-class amphibious assault ships.
No delivery timeframe has been released, however, although Egypt is likely to receive the two helicopter carriers by mid-year.
The naval variant of the Ka-52 features folding coaxial rotors and stub-wings.
flightglobal

Russia Signed First Export Contract of Ka-52 Alligator Attack Helicopters

Russia has signed its first contracts on the export of Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters, the head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation in Paris Air Show 2015 said Thursday.
Rosoboronexport did not specify the volume of contracts or with whom they were signed.
sputniknews

Russia to Get 16 Ka-52 Attack Helicopters This Year

Russian will receive 16 Ka-52 attack helicopters this year.
The Ka-52 is Russia's newest attack helicopter, having only gone into service with the military in 2011.
The navy selected them to outfit two Mistral-class helicopter carriers ordered from France in 2011. However, Paris froze delivery of the ships last year due to Russia's alleged support of rebels in Ukraine.
The 16 helicopters are part of a larger contract for the delivery of 146 Ka-52 helicopters to the Russian military by 2020.
themoscowtimes

Russian Navy new Ka-52K Hokum B Naval Attack Helicopter Conducted its First Test Flight

Pictures have emerged on Russian social networks showing the first test flight of the new Ka-52K Naval Attack helicopter. Based on the Ka-52 "Alligator" the K version has been specifically modified for the Russian Navy to operate the helicopters from the Mistral class LHDs.
The navalised version of the Alligator features a folding rotor head and folding stub-wings. Other modifications are rumored to include the ability to launch Kh-31 and Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. Some reports also reported the installation of a Mig-35 fighter's Zhuk-A phased array radar in the nose of the Ka-52K.
The first test flight of the new Ka-52K took place on March 7. The helicopter features a dark gray camouflage. The inscription on the tailmeans it belong to the Russian Navy Naval Aviation.
The helicopter features four hardpoints under its wings. Similar to the land forces version, the Ka-52K is fitted with a GOES-451 optronic sensor under the nose and a 2A42 30-mm automatic cannon.
Intended originally to be deployed from the two Mistral class LHDs built in France, it is not clear what the Russian Navy will do if the two amphibious vessels are not delivered. Russian Ministry of Defence official have recently declared however that the Russian Navy has a need for Naval Attack helicopters and will use the Ka-52K regardless of the Russian Mistrals fate. It won't be possible for the Russian Navy to operate them from the future Ivan Gren-class landing ship (Project 11711). The Ka-52K will have to be shore based or deployed from Russian Navy's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov.
Russia and France signed a $1.6 billion deal for two Mistral-class ships in June 2011. The handover of the first ship, the Vladivostok, was scheduled for November 14, but did not take place.
On November 25, French President Francois Hollande postponed the delivery of the Vladivostok to Russia over the situation in Ukraine.
navyrecognition

Russia will Add 200 New Aircraft to Defense Arsenal to Maintain Higher Operational Readiness

As NATO becomes well entrenched in Eastern Europe, Russia has decided to boost its air capabilities, with almost 200 new airplanes and helicopters to be inducted into its air force and naval branches.
Most countries do not have a fleet of 200 aircraft in their arsenal.
Russia have also reintroduced long-range military air patrol to test the strength and weaknesses of air defences of NATO-aligned nations, an act reminiscent of the Cold War-era distrust between the West and the Russians.
The Russian dominance in aircraft and space technology is well catalogued. The latest induction would see 126 new aircraft and 88 helicopters.
The aircraft delivery would include Sukhoi Su-34 bombers, multipurpose Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets, Yak-130 trainers/light fighters and transport Ilyushin Il-76MD-90 planes. The Russian Air Force is also expected to receive cutting-edge radar stations, such as Nebo-M and Sopka.
The helicopter deliveries will include Ka-52 and Mi-28Nattack helicopters, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-35 combat helicopters and Ka-226.
ibtimes

Azerbaijan expresses interest in Ka-52 and BMPT-72 'Terminator 2'

Azerbaijan may look to purchase the Russian Kamov Ka-52 Alligator 'Hokum-B' helicopter and BMPT-72 'Terminator 2' Fire Support Combat Vehicle, after Azeri President Ilham Aliyev expressed interest in both systems.
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Russia orders Ka-52K helicopters for Mistral-class LHDs

Russia has ordered a batch of 32 Kamov Ka-52K 'Hokum B' naval attack helicopters for the Russian Navy's Mistral-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessels.
Each Mistral-class LHD is capable of operating an air wing of around 16 naval helicopters, although their air group composition has yet to be finalised. One option could see the LHDs operating a mixed air group of eight Ka-52K strike helicopters and eight Ka-29TB 'Helix' assault transport helicopters. One or two Ka-27PS 'Helix-D' search-and-rescue helicopters may also be included. No order has yet been placed for other potential elements of the Mistral's air wing, although these could be drawn from existing stocks.
The main technological challenge that the Mistral-class will present to the Russian Navy is the need to adapt them, given that they have been built in compliance with civil-use standards and requirements - rather than to military standards.
The two Mistral-class vessels in production for the Russian Navy have been modified compared with the baseline version for the French Navy. These changes include changes in hull construction to enable them to be used in northern latitudes, including in ice conditions. The height of the vessels has also been increased due to modifications to the ships' internal hangars to allow them to accommodate large helicopters like the Ka-52K and Ka-27PS.
The vessels have been modified for the installation of extra armament, including anti-air systems and large calibre automatic weapon stations for combating surface threats, to enable the Russian Navy to use them in the open sea with a smaller escort.
janes

Russian Defense Ministry plans to buy 32 Ka-52K helicopters for Mistral ships

Russian Deputy Defense Minister visited the Progress aircraft manufacturing company, based in the city of Arsenyevsk, Primorye Territory, where he discussed potential acquisitions of Kamov Ka-52K ship-based helicopters for Mistral-class helicopter carriers, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a press release.
The plant is in a stable position and has a long-term contract on the delivery of 146 Ka-52 Alligator helicopters for the period up to 2020. Further plans include [the sale of] 32 ship-based helicopters. When commenting on a contract with Russia's Navy, the deputy minister said that the "Navy is expecting Ka-52 helicopters, which will be placed on board the Mistral-type ships currently under construction."
voiceofrussia

Russia Starts Combat Helicopter Training Flights on Baltic Border

A newly formed Russian army helicopter brigade has begun training flights in the northwest of the country near the borders with the Baltic states of Estonia and Latvia.
The flights involve dozens of Mi-28N Night Hunter and Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters as well as Mi-8MTV-5 and Mi-26T.
The 15th army aviation brigade, formed in December and stationed at the Ostrov airbase, is fully equipped with new, recently-built helicopters. The brigade currently comprises three helicopter squadrons, with two more to be added in the near future.
Media in the former Soviet Baltic states, as well as Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom, have expressed security concerns about Russia’s decision to station the 15th brigade near NATO’s borders.
Russian Defense Minister earlier announced the beginning of military drills of units from the Southern and Western military districts near the borders with Ukraine and the Baltic states in response to an “unprecedented” increase of NATO military activity near Russia amid the Ukrainian crisis.
The combat drills come as NATO is ramping up its military presence in the region.
NATO Secretary General announced earlier this month that the alliance would intensify air patrols over Eastern Europe and dispatch extra ships to the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas due to the crisis in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that NATO was attempting to use the Ukrainian crisis as an imaginary threat to unite the alliance’s members and to push for Moscow's isolation
ria.ru

Iraq Expects Russian Weapons Delivery Next Month

The second consignment of Russian weapons and military equipment, to be delivered to Iraq under the deal signed in 2012, will arrive later than previously announced.
Last year, Iraq signed a $4.3 billion deal with Moscow to buy Russian weapons and military equipment, including around 40 Mi-35 and Mi-28NE attack helicopters. Iraq took collection of the first four Mi-35 helicopter gunships this fall.
Iraqi officials said in November that the second shipment is expected by the end of the year.
The reason for the delay is unknown.
Iraq is looking to use the newly bought military materiel to bolster its borders and for use in antiterrorist operations.
The 2012 contract also envisages the purchase of 48 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile gun systems and Ka-52 single-seat attack helicopters.
ria.ru

Iraq Takes Collection of First 4 Russian Helicopter Gunships

Iraq took collection of the first four Russian-made Mi-35 helicopter gunships sold to the Middle Eastern nation as part of a multibillion dollar weapons deal.
Iraq expects to receive a consignment of around 40 Mi-35 and Mi-28NE attack helicopters by the end of the year.
Iraq is looking to use the newly bought military materiel to bolster its borders and for use in antiterrorist operations.
Russia is to supply 48 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile gun systems in addition to the helicopters under anagreement signed in 2012.
Russia has under the framework of that deal also committed to supplying Iraq with Ka-52.
ria.ru

Russia to Order 32 Shipborne Helicopters in 2014

Russia’s Defense Ministry is planning to buy 32 shipborne helicopters from Russian Helicopters’ Progress Arsenyev
Progress Arsenyev will make 143 helicopters by 2020 and
produces both Kamov Ka-52 military attack helicopters and Ka-62 light civil helicopters. The Russian armed forces have previously said they will deploy the Ka-52 on the new Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, currently under construction.
ria

Kamov Working On Naval Alligator Version

With the Ka-52 now in Russian army service and being touted for export, the design bureau is busy working on a maritime version for the Russian navy.
The side-by-side seating of the Ka-52 promotes crew coordination, according to Kamov design bureau general designer.
In its Russian army version,the Ka-52 has a weapons suite including 9K120 Ataka and 9K121 Vikhr-1 missilesIt has a 2A42 30mm cannon and the ability to carry S-8 80mm unguided rockets. It can also carry Igla-S air-to-air missiles as part of the Strelets system. The helicopter is well protected with the President-S self-defense suite.
For the Russian navy’s Ka-52K Kamov is working on new weapons capabilities that are more applicable to a life at sea, according to NATO standards, bringing in foreign equipment or weapons.”
The Ka-52K is intended to serve from a variety of Russian navy vessels, but primarily the two Mistral-class amphibious assault vessels that Russia is buying from France. Ka-52K, will fly as soon as the French deliver Mistral vessels. When Mistral comes to St.Petersburg, the helicopter will be ready.
India has been identified as a good opportunity for the Ka-52. Kamov maintains that there is potential for sales there.
ainonline

Russia in Ka-52 talks with CIS nations

Russia's Rosoboronexport has entered into discussions with several CIS nations over potential purchases of the Kamov Ka-52 reconnaissance and combat helicopter.
flightglobal

First Ka-52K Choppers for Mistral Ships to be Built in 2013

The Russian Navy will receive the first batch of Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters for Mistral class amphibious assault ships in 2013.

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Russian Navy’s Mistral-class helicopter carriers will have 30 helicopters

The Russian Navy plans to equip both of its Mistral-class amphibious assault ships with 30 Ka-52K and Ka-29 helicopters.

learn more

La Fuerza Aérea Rusa comenzará a recibir helicópteros de combate KA-52/Defense Russian Air Force to receive Ka-52 helicopters

La Fuerza Aérea Rusa comenzará a recibir helicópteros Ka-52 Alligator de combate en 2011.
(leer más)
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Russia's Defense Ministry plans to start procuring Ka-52 Alligator helicopters for the national Air Force in 2011, ministry's official spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Sunday.
(read more)

Rusia vende MiG-29 y helicópteros KA-52 a Yemen/ Russia to sell MiG-29 and KA-52 to Yemen

Rusia y Yemen podrían firma un contrato de venta de armas por valor de 1.000 millones de dólares, que incluiría hasta 30cazas MiG-29, helicópteros de ataque Mi-35 y Ka-52, helicópteros de transporte Mi-17, carros de combate T-72M1, vehículos d infantería BMP-3y además un sistema antiaéreo dotado de misiles S-300
(leer más)
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Russia and Yemen could sign an arms contract worth over $1 billion.
Yemen is interested in a very broad range of Russian arms and military equipment, especially MiG-29 SMT jet fighters (up to 30), Mi-35 and Ka-52 helicopter gunships and Mi-17 military transport helicopters.
Yemen's wish list also included T-72M1 tanks, Kornet E antitank complexes, Smerch multiple launch rocket systems (up to 20 units),BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and in addition, Yemen is interested in building an air-defense system with Russian made S-300
(read more)

Los buques franceses clase Mistrial vendidos a Rusia, portarán helicópteros KA-52/French warships for Russia may be armed with Ka-52 helicopters

Los helicópteros de fabricación rusa Ka-52 Alligator podrían equipar a los buques clase Mistral que Rusia pretende comprar a Francia.
Rusia negocia la compra de un buque clase Mistral de asalto anfibio, y la construcción local de tres mas.
(ria novosti)
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Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopters may be the best choice to arm Mistral helicopter carriers, which Russia plans to purchase from France, the chief of Russian helicopter holding said.
Russia negotiates the purchase of at least one Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, worth 400-500 million euros (around $530-$660 million) and plans to build three more vessels of the same class in partnership with a French naval shipbuilder.
The director of the Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation in April told RIA Novosti the political decision on the Mistral's purchase had already been taken.
(ria novosti)