The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is a modification of the Ka-50 Black Shark attack helicopter. It is designed to detect and locate moving and static ground targets, and destroy enemy armory, helicopters and low-flying low-speed aircraft.
The Ka-52K is a ship-based version of the helicopter. It features folding rotor blades and folding wings allowing for the machine to be placed in the Mistral’s on-board hangars.
In 2011, France’s DCNS and Russia’s Rosoboronexport signed a €1.2 billion contract to deliver two Mistral-class warships. According to the document, France was due to deliver the first ship to Russia in 2014.
In early- August, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Francois Hollande agreed on the termination of the deal. France has already transferred compensation to Russia. The sum of the compensation was not made public. After the Russian control and communications equipment is dismantled from the carriers France will be able to take charge of both ships.
