Russian Helicopters Holding are showcasing the new modification of the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter at the IDEX international exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The helicopter was delivered to Abu Dhabi in a partially disassembled state aboard an Il-76 aircraft, where upon arrival, the Holding’s technical team completed the engine and rotor assembly.
The Ka-32A11M boasts excellent manoeuvrability due to its coaxial rotor system and is positioned as the most effective asset for tackling fires in dense urban environments, typical of Gulf state megacities. In a single sortie, the helicopter can deliver up to 4,000 litres of water and 400 litres of fire-retardant foam to the location of a blaze, the Holding stated.
Other helicopter models are also on display at IDEX 2025, including the Mi-38 with a premium comfort cabin and the Ansat in police and air ambulance configurations. However, it is the Ka-32A11M that is attracting the most attention from overseas specialists, thanks to its established reputation and novel technical solutions.
The upgraded Ka-32A11M features a digital flight and navigation suite with a “glass cockpit,” where flight information is displayed on multi-function colour LCD displays. The VK-2500 engines with digital control systems have increased the power-to-weight ratio of the aircraft, which has positively impacted its flight performance and firefighting efficiency.
According to Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy CEO of Rostec State Corporation, the helicopter has high export potential, and foreign specialists and pilots are showing interest. Many potential operators are already familiar with helicopters of this type and note the effectiveness of these machines in combating fires.
“These helicopters are effective for fighting fires in cities, especially in high-rise buildings where firefighters cannot always reach promptly. In our product line, we have specialised firefighting helicopters, for example, the Ka-32 family with the coaxial rotor system. Thanks to this, the Ka-32 can hover with high precision opposite the source of the fire and maintain this position despite the updrafts between buildings. This enhances the effectiveness of firefighting,” said Vladimir Artyakov.
He added that the reputation of the Ka-32 family speaks for itself – approximately 190 machines of this type are currently operated in 20 countries worldwide, and at the exhibition, Russia is showcasing the new version of the helicopter – the Ka-32A11M.
IDEX 2025, which is taking place in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February, has become a platform for demonstrating the developments of the Russian defence industry. Rosoboronexport, High Precision Systems, Uralvagonzavod, Kalashnikov, Unmanned Systems and other companies are participating.
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