At the Dubai Airshow 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, the Russian Helicopters holding company presented the Ka-32A11M, a helicopter designed for firefighting and rescue missions in dense urban environments and in maritime climates. The type certificate for the model was issued on December 26, 2023, and the first serial-production aircraft conducted its flight at the Kumertau flight-test facility on September 13, 2024.
The Ka-32A11M is equipped with two modern VK-2500PS-02 turboshaft engines. The increased power output was achieved through the BARK-6V-7S full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system developed by UEC-Klimov. This fully digital control system manages all operational parameters of the powerplant, including fuel flow, temperature regulation, shaft speed, and protection against overheating or exceeding operational limits. It continuously analyzes current engine parameters and optimizes performance to deliver maximum power without violating critical thresholds.
The engine’s normal takeoff power rating is 2,200 hp, while the emergency rating is 2,700 hp. This increase raises external load capacity by 1.6 metric tons and improves the helicopter’s stability in crosswind conditions. Tests confirmed that the Ka-32A11M can safely take off and land in the event of a single-engine failure.
The aircraft is fitted with the SP-32 firefighting system, featuring a 4,000-liter water tank and a 400-liter foam tank. Liquid release is controlled via electromechanical tank doors. The digital control system operates each pair of doors independently, adjusting opening angles and operating sequence. This design allows precise control over the intensity and distribution of water and foam. The tank and mechanisms are electrically heated, enabling operation at temperatures down to −20°C.
The system also allows directional water delivery through a nose-mounted water cannon, enabling precise suppression of fire sources in high-rise buildings and hard-to-reach structures. The coaxial rotor system improves effectiveness in urban firefighting by ensuring stable hover performance in turbulent updrafts between buildings.
Water can be taken from any nearby lake or river. Filling the tank to full capacity takes approximately 60 seconds, enabling multiple drops within a single mission without significant downtime before full fire suppression is achieved.
The holding company is actively promoting the helicopter on the international market. The Ka-32A11M has been demonstrated at Dubai Airshow (2023, 2025), IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and LIMA 2025 in Malaysia. The modernization program for South Korea’s Ka-32 fleet was presented at Seoul ADEX 2019. Participation in international exhibitions allows the holding to demonstrate to potential partners and operators the helicopter’s technical advantages, maneuverability, firefighting system capabilities, performance over water, and operation in demanding climatic conditions.
| Model | Water Capacity / System | Powerplant | Maneuverability | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka-32A11M | 4,000 L water + 400 L foam (SP-32); scooping from water sources, tank drop and water cannon delivery | 2 × VK-2500PS-02, FADEC; increased power for external-load operations | Coaxial rotors; stable hover, high maneuvering accuracy | Urban firefighting, maritime operations, performance down to −20 °C |
| Airbus H225 (Super Puma) | Up to 4,000 L, external “bambi bucket” | 2 × Safran Makila 2A1 | Main + tail rotor; limited maneuverability in dense urban areas | Long-range missions, large water volumes, extended flights |
| Sikorsky S-92A (with Helitak FT5000) | Up to 5,000 L in a removable tank | Civil-certified turboshaft engines | Main + tail rotor | Multi-mission adaptation, transport of firefighting crews |
| Sikorsky S-64 (Air Crane) | Up to 10,000 L fixed tank | 2 × Pratt & Whitney JFTD-12 | Open truss airframe; limited maneuverability | Large-scale wildfire response, rapid water scooping, requires water sources and support infrastructure |
The comparison with foreign counterparts highlights the Ka-32A11M’s advantages in precise positioning and accurate control of suppressant release in confined areas. The combination of a controllable tank-drop system and targeted delivery via water cannon enables missions in urban environments and on offshore structures, where large-capacity helicopters typically sacrifice maneuverability and precision. This balance of operating characteristics and adaptability to local conditions gives the helicopter a stable market potential, making it attractive for countries with dense high-rise urban development and limited firefighting infrastructure.
Russia operates this helicopter type within emergency-response agencies, aviation centers, regional authorities, and specialized operators. The Ka-32 family is used by government and commercial operators in various countries:
- South Korea — the largest foreign fleet, with about 30 Ka-32 helicopters used by forestry, firefighting, and rescue services.
- China — around 20 Ka-32A11VS helicopters operated by various companies and services, primarily for firefighting and rescue missions.
- Canada — four Ka-32 helicopters operated by VIH Helicopters for firefighting and industrial tasks.
- Ukraine — six Ka-32 helicopters in the State Emergency Service.
- Kazakhstan — two helicopters used in rescue and firefighting missions.
- Azerbaijan — four helicopters operated by the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
- Spain — at least nine aircraft used in the aerial firefighting system; some units are not airworthy.
- Portugal — six helicopters were withdrawn from service and in non-operational condition; in 2024, six disassembled aircraft were transferred as a donation to Ukraine.
- Indonesia — at least two Ka-32 helicopters operated by Dimonim Air and Pegasus Air Services.
- Turkey — according to public data, three Ka-32A11VS helicopters were delivered in 2018–2019 for firefighting operations. The current operator is Kaan Air.
- India — the Ka-32A11VS is certified; one aircraft has been delivered to Global Vectra Helicorp for commercial work.
The Russian manufacturer provides extensive support for international operators through spare-parts supply, maintenance, and modernization programs, including upgrades to equipment and powerplants.
Thus, the Ka-32 family—and the Ka-32A11M in particular—remains in demand as a specialized helicopter effective in urban, mountainous, and maritime environments, as well as in complex firefighting and rescue operations.
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