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In a significant military aid gesture, Portugal has officially retired the six Russian Kamov Ka-32 helicopters it acquired in 2006. The helicopters, now decommissioned, were loaded onto trucks and dispatched to Ukraine, as confirmed by Portugal’s Ministry of Defense.
Originally, Portugal procured these six Kamov Ka-32A helicopters for around €348 million to enhance its firefighting and rescue operations. After extensive negotiations, the deal was finalized, reflecting the country’s urgent need for modern aerial firefighting resources. However, the helicopters soon encountered multiple operational hurdles, including ongoing maintenance challenges and difficulties in securing airworthiness certifications, which hindered their effectiveness.
By late 2022, the Portuguese government announced its decision to donate these helicopters to Ukraine. This move was prompted by the sanctions imposed on Russia, which made maintenance and operation increasingly difficult. Minister of National Defense, Helena Carreiras, indicated that the transfer was coordinated with Ukrainian officials. Notably, the helicopters had been non-operational for some time, and one had sustained damage in an accident, leading to the choice to transfer them to their current state.
The final shipment took place on September 6, 2024, after a protracted negotiation process that began with the announcement in October 2022. Despite several delays, the Portuguese government successfully secured a transportation agreement, allowing for the helicopters’ dispatch to Ukraine.
During a NATO meeting in Brussels, Minister Carreiras stated that the helicopters “need repairs,” but emphasized their potential value for Ukraine. She expressed confidence that these helicopters would be “very useful” to Ukraine’s military efforts.
General Nuno Lemos, Chief of the Portuguese Air Force, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Ka-32s’ versatility for various missions, including cargo transport and firefighting, which could significantly enhance Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
Ukrainian leaders have expressed profound gratitude for this donation. Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, remarked that the helicopters would greatly enhance Ukraine’s military capacity, commending Portugal for its unwavering support. Former Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, stressed the importance of international assistance and noted that the helicopters would play a crucial role in various military operations.
The Kamov Ka-32 is a highly adaptable twin-engine helicopter developed by the Russian aerospace manufacturer Kamov, renowned for its utility and transport capabilities. Its distinctive coaxial rotor system—two main rotors rotating in opposite directions—provides remarkable stability, maneuverability, and lift capacity while eliminating the need for a tail rotor. This design makes the Ka-32 particularly effective in confined spaces and challenging environments.
In terms of dimensions, the Ka-32 measures approximately 16.4 meters [53.8 feet] in length and has a rotor diameter of about 15.9 meters [52.2 feet]. With a maximum takeoff weight of around 5,400 kilograms [11,900 pounds], it features a spacious cabin that accommodates up to 14 passengers or can be reconfigured for cargo transport.
The helicopter’s versatility is further exemplified by its ability to seamlessly transition between roles such as passenger transport, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, or aerial firefighting, making it an invaluable asset for both commercial and governmental applications.
Powering the Ka-32 are two Ivchenko-Progress AI-24V turboshaft engines, each generating approximately 1,000 horsepower. This configuration allows the helicopter to reach a maximum cruising speed of around 250 kilometers per hour [155 miles per hour] and a range of approximately 600 kilometers [373 miles] with standard fuel reserves.
Renowned for its exceptional hovering capabilities, the Ka-32 excels in missions such as search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and construction work. With a service ceiling of about 5,000 meters [16,404 feet], it can operate effectively across varying altitudes and weather conditions.
The Ka-32 also boasts modern avionics, featuring advanced navigation and communication systems that enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency. Its glass cockpit layout, equipped with state-of-the-art digital displays, improves pilot visibility and reduces workload during missions.
Additionally, the helicopter can be fitted with various mission-specific equipment, including external cargo hooks, firefighting systems, and surveillance cameras, further expanding its multifunctional capabilities.
BULGARIAN MILITARY