Serbia Welcomes First of Two Russian-Built Kamov Ka-32 Helicopters

In a significant demonstration of military cooperation, two Russian Kamov Ka-32 firefighting helicopters arrived in Serbia on October 28, 2022. The deployment of these helicopters showcases their capabilities and was attended by Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin and Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko.

This event follows an earlier development when, in late July, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced the reception of two Russian-made Kamov Ka-32 firefighting helicopters within just one month.

Furthermore, Vucic revealed that the country’s plans include purchasing 30 helicopters during 2022-2023, comprising ten H-145 helicopters produced by the Airbus company, four Mi-35s, three Mi-17s, and eleven used Mi-35s from a European Union member state.

In addition to these helicopters, Russia also delivered four Mi-35M helicopters, six MiG-29 fighter jets, three Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters, Pantsir-S1 air defense missile systems, 30 T-72MS tanks, and 30 BRDM-2MS armored vehicles to Serbia as part of its military-technical assistance from 2018 to February 2020.

About the Kamov Ka-32 Helicopter

The Kamov Ka-27 (NATO reporting name ‘Helix’) is a military helicopter originally developed for the Soviet Navy and currently in service in various countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and India.

Variants of the Ka-27 include the Ka-29 assault transport, the Ka-28 export version, and the Ka-32 for civilian use. Over 240 Ka-32 helicopters have been built since 2019 and exported to more than 30 countries. These helicopters are known for their versatility and robust design, making them suitable for a wide range of missions.

The arrival of the Russian Kamov Ka-32 firefighting helicopters in Serbia underlines the strong ties between the two countries and their commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation, particularly in the field of defense and emergency response. This development will undoubtedly bolster Serbia’s capabilities in dealing with forest fires and other emergency situations.