The Ka-52M is the modernised variant of the Alligator attack helicopter featuring the coaxial rotor configuration. The M upgrade adds the LMUR (Izdeliye 305) electro-optically guided fire-and-forget missile with 14.5 km range for standoff engagement, improved GOES-451 electro-optical targeting system, and upgraded avionics. Primary weapons include Vikhr-M laser-beam-riding ATGMs, B-8 80mm rockets, and the 30mm 2A42 cannon. The Ka-52 has been Russia's most active attack helicopter in Ukraine since 2022, employed extensively in assault support and anti-tank roles, with significant losses to Ukrainian air defences.
![Kamov logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="20" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">KAMOV</text></svg>)
- Co-axial rotor eliminates tail rotor vulnerability
- Side-by-side crew seating enables crew cooperation
- Can fire ATGMs in evasive maneuver
- Modernized avionics and FLIR
- Shipborne capable (Ka-52K variant)
- Co-axial system adds mechanical complexity
- Heavier than comparable attack helicopters
- Limited export success
- Electronic systems integration challenges
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SIGN INProtection level against contemporary ATGM threats is the defining metric here, and these figures hold up well.
Radar cross-section management at this level requires trade-offs in payload capacity that tacticians need to understand.