The holding company Russian Helicopters is planning hardware and software upgrades of its Ka-52 attack helicopter to fix found deficiencies during testing in Syria, CEO Andrey Boginsky said Monday.

The Ka-52 Alligator helicopters will be upgraded based on the experience from the combat use in Syria, confirmed Andrey Boginsky in an interview with Russian media on Monday.

He added: “an upgrade will affect, in particular, power generators and electro-optical vision system.”

“They [the upgraded requirements] are formed on the basis of the results of Syria. We are already working on replacing power generators to provide more energy. The complex work on the Ka-52 and Mi-28 includes the modernization of electro-optical vision system,” he said adding that the Russian Helicopters already have the Ka-52 modernization plan approved by the Ministry of Defense.

The Ka-52, known as Alligator,  is a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter designed to destroy tanks, armoured and non-armoured ground targets, and enemy troops and helicopters both on the front line and in tactical reserves.

According to the company, the helicopter can provide target acquisition and designation for helicopter teams and ground troop command and control centres. It can also provide fire support for troop landings, fly routine patrols and escort military convoys.

Meanwhile, in 2018, some sources have reported that modern Russian Ka-52 helicopter has engine installations, avionics, navigation systems, and night vision systems deficiencies discovered in real action in Syria and Egypt. At hot-climate conditions engine of Ka-52 significantly loses its power in different flight regimes. Also, avionics and navigation systems are untrustworthy which can give rise to an accident situation.

A source familiar with the Ka-52’s program explained that always technical issues when you take a new weapons system like heavy combat helicopter. Russian Helicopters had previously been working on technical issues and software fix of new Ka-52, but world sanctions and nation’s economic crisis slow down progress for upgrading.