In a big navy assist gesture, Portugal has formally retired the six Russian Kamov Ka-32 helicopters it acquired in 2006. The helicopters, now decommissioned, have been loaded onto vehicles and dispatched to Ukraine, as confirmed by Portugal’s Ministry of Protection.
Initially, Portugal procured these six Kamov Ka-32A helicopters for round €348 million to reinforce its firefighting and rescue operations. After intensive negotiations, the deal was finalized, reflecting the nation’s pressing want for contemporary aerial firefighting assets. Nonetheless, the helicopters quickly encountered a number of operational hurdles, together with ongoing upkeep challenges and difficulties in securing airworthiness certifications, which hindered their effectiveness.
By late 2022, the Portuguese authorities introduced its resolution to donate these helicopters to Ukraine. This transfer was prompted by the sanctions imposed on Russia, which made upkeep and operation more and more tough. Minister of Nationwide Protection, Helena Carreiras, indicated that the switch was coordinated with Ukrainian officers. Notably, the helicopters had been non-operational for a while, and one had sustained harm in an accident, resulting in the selection to switch them to their present state.
The ultimate cargo passed off on September 6, 2024, after a protracted negotiation course of that started with the announcement in October 2022. Regardless of a number of delays, the Portuguese authorities efficiently secured a transportation settlement, permitting for the helicopters’ dispatch to Ukraine.
Throughout a NATO assembly in Brussels, Minister Carreiras said that the helicopters “want repairs,” however emphasised their potential worth for Ukraine. She expressed confidence that these helicopters could be “very helpful” to Ukraine’s navy efforts.
Basic Nuno Lemos, Chief of the Portuguese Air Pressure, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Ka-32s’ versatility for numerous missions, together with cargo transport and firefighting, which may considerably improve Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
Ukrainian leaders have expressed profound gratitude for this donation. Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s Minister of Protection, remarked that the helicopters would enormously improve Ukraine’s navy capability, commending Portugal for its unwavering assist. Former Chief of the Basic Workers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, burdened the significance of worldwide help and famous that the helicopters would play an important function in numerous navy operations.
The Kamov Ka-32 is a extremely adaptable twin-engine helicopter developed by the Russian aerospace producer Kamov, famend for its utility and transport capabilities. Its distinctive coaxial rotor system—two essential rotors rotating in reverse instructions—offers exceptional stability, maneuverability, and raise capability whereas eliminating the necessity for a tail rotor. This design makes the Ka-32 notably efficient in confined areas and difficult environments.
By way of dimensions, the Ka-32 measures roughly 16.4 meters [53.8 feet] in size and has a rotor diameter of about 15.9 meters [52.2 feet]. With a most takeoff weight of round 5,400 kilograms [11,900 pounds], it contains a spacious cabin that accommodates as much as 14 passengers or will be reconfigured for cargo transport.
The helicopter’s versatility is additional exemplified by its means to seamlessly transition between roles akin to passenger transport, cargo supply, medical evacuation, or aerial firefighting, making it a useful asset for each business and governmental purposes.
Powering the Ka-32 are two Ivchenko-Progress AI-24V turboshaft engines, every producing roughly 1,000 horsepower. This configuration permits the helicopter to succeed in a most cruising pace of round 250 kilometers per hour [155 miles per hour] and a spread of roughly 600 kilometers [373 miles] with customary gas reserves.
Famend for its distinctive hovering capabilities, the Ka-32 excels in missions akin to search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and development work. With a service ceiling of about 5,000 meters [16,404 feet], it may well function successfully throughout various altitudes and climate circumstances.
The Ka-32 additionally boasts fashionable avionics, that includes superior navigation and communication programs that improve situational consciousness and operational effectivity. Its glass cockpit format, outfitted with state-of-the-art digital shows, improves pilot visibility and reduces workload throughout missions.
Moreover, the helicopter will be fitted with numerous mission-specific gear, together with exterior cargo hooks, firefighting programs, and surveillance cameras, additional increasing its multifunctional capabilities.
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