Russia’s ‘northern capital,’ St. Petersburg hosted the main parade of Russia’s Navy Day celebrations featuring 50 combat ships and submarines, and a further 40 aircraft, including the newest Ka-52K Katran helicopters.

The two  Ka-52K Katran shipborne helicopters took part in a parade featuring more 50 ships and submarines and flyovers by 40 jets. Ka-52K Katran Helicopter is a ship-based version of the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat helicopter, which is under production for the Russian Armed Forces.

According to the TASS, the tests for the Ka-52K shipborne helicopter will be completed before the end of 2019 and then the deliveries to the Defense Ministry will start.

Compared to the land-based Ka-52, the Ka-52K has shorter folding wings which have been redesigned to carry heavy weapons and a blade-folding mechanism for stowage in the hold. Minimized dimensions of the KA-52K will allow more helicopters to be placed on board.

The helicopter can carry Kh1AD and Kh35 anti-ship missiles, which are currently used by Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-29K warplanes and are able to inflict serious damage even to aircraft carriers.

In addition, the Ka-52K can carry virtually all types of Western-made airborne anti-ship missiles, which makes it much easier to sell abroad.