Russia Highlights its Urban Firefighting Capabilities with Ka-32A11M Helicopter at IDEX 2025
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The 2025 edition of IDEX, taking place from February 17 to 21 in Abu Dhabi, serves as a key platform for showcasing defense and security innovations. Among the notable presentations, Russian Helicopters introduces the latest version of its firefighting helicopter, the Ka-32A11M. Transported aboard an Il-76 aircraft in a partially disassembled state, the helicopter was assembled on-site by the manufacturer’s technical teams before its official unveiling. This upgraded model is designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, particularly in urban environments where high-rise fires present significant logistical challenges.
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The Ka-32A11M is designed for diverse firefighting scenarios, including high-rise fires and industrial incidents. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Ka-32A11M is characterized by its coaxial rotor system, which provides high maneuverability and flight stability. This configuration allows it to operate efficiently in confined areas, such as densely populated city centers where access for ground-based firefighting units is limited. The helicopter can carry up to 4,000 liters of water and 400 liters of fire-retardant foam in a single sortie, improving its effectiveness in containing fires and preventing their spread. Its ability to hover precisely in front of a fire, even in the presence of turbulence between buildings, enables targeted firefighting efforts.
A key enhancement in this upgraded version is the integration of a digital cockpit featuring multifunction LCD displays, replacing traditional analog instruments. This system improves flight data management and reduces pilot workload, allowing for more precise water or foam deployment. The VK-2500 engines, equipped with digital control systems, enhance the aircraft’s power-to-weight ratio, optimizing performance under demanding conditions such as high temperatures or elevated altitudes frequently encountered in the Middle East.
The Ka-32A11M is designed for diverse firefighting scenarios, including high-rise fires and industrial incidents. It can be equipped with specialized fire suppression systems, such as the Bambi Bucket and Simplex, enabling large-scale or precision water drops depending on operational requirements. Additional water cannons can be installed for firefighting in low-visibility environments, particularly in areas with dense smoke. These features make the helicopter suitable not only for urban fire response but also for operations at oil and gas facilities, where fire containment is critical to prevent escalation.
At IDEX 2025, the helicopter has drawn interest from international specialists and government representatives. The Ka-32 series has an established operational history, with approximately 190 units in service across 20 countries, highlighting its proven capabilities. The modernized version aims to meet the evolving requirements of emergency response agencies while maintaining the reliability of its predecessors. Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy CEO of Rostec State Corporation, has emphasized the export potential of the Ka-32A11M, noting that many potential operators are already familiar with previous versions and recognize the advantages of its latest improvements.
IDEX 2025 provides an opportunity for Russian Helicopters to reinforce its presence in the global market and showcase its expertise in specialized rotary-wing aircraft. The manufacturer continues to develop modernized platforms tailored to current operational challenges in emergency response and disaster management. With the introduction of the Ka-32A11M, the company seeks to expand the adoption of this established platform into new markets, further positioning itself as a key provider of specialized helicopters.
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The 2025 edition of IDEX, taking place from February 17 to 21 in Abu Dhabi, serves as a key platform for showcasing defense and security innovations. Among the notable presentations, Russian Helicopters introduces the latest version of its firefighting helicopter, the Ka-32A11M. Transported aboard an Il-76 aircraft in a partially disassembled state, the helicopter was assembled on-site by the manufacturer’s technical teams before its official unveiling. This upgraded model is designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, particularly in urban environments where high-rise fires present significant logistical challenges.
The Ka-32A11M is designed for diverse firefighting scenarios, including high-rise fires and industrial incidents. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Ka-32A11M is characterized by its coaxial rotor system, which provides high maneuverability and flight stability. This configuration allows it to operate efficiently in confined areas, such as densely populated city centers where access for ground-based firefighting units is limited. The helicopter can carry up to 4,000 liters of water and 400 liters of fire-retardant foam in a single sortie, improving its effectiveness in containing fires and preventing their spread. Its ability to hover precisely in front of a fire, even in the presence of turbulence between buildings, enables targeted firefighting efforts.
A key enhancement in this upgraded version is the integration of a digital cockpit featuring multifunction LCD displays, replacing traditional analog instruments. This system improves flight data management and reduces pilot workload, allowing for more precise water or foam deployment. The VK-2500 engines, equipped with digital control systems, enhance the aircraft’s power-to-weight ratio, optimizing performance under demanding conditions such as high temperatures or elevated altitudes frequently encountered in the Middle East.
The Ka-32A11M is designed for diverse firefighting scenarios, including high-rise fires and industrial incidents. It can be equipped with specialized fire suppression systems, such as the Bambi Bucket and Simplex, enabling large-scale or precision water drops depending on operational requirements. Additional water cannons can be installed for firefighting in low-visibility environments, particularly in areas with dense smoke. These features make the helicopter suitable not only for urban fire response but also for operations at oil and gas facilities, where fire containment is critical to prevent escalation.
At IDEX 2025, the helicopter has drawn interest from international specialists and government representatives. The Ka-32 series has an established operational history, with approximately 190 units in service across 20 countries, highlighting its proven capabilities. The modernized version aims to meet the evolving requirements of emergency response agencies while maintaining the reliability of its predecessors. Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy CEO of Rostec State Corporation, has emphasized the export potential of the Ka-32A11M, noting that many potential operators are already familiar with previous versions and recognize the advantages of its latest improvements.
IDEX 2025 provides an opportunity for Russian Helicopters to reinforce its presence in the global market and showcase its expertise in specialized rotary-wing aircraft. The manufacturer continues to develop modernized platforms tailored to current operational challenges in emergency response and disaster management. With the introduction of the Ka-32A11M, the company seeks to expand the adoption of this established platform into new markets, further positioning itself as a key provider of specialized helicopters.
