Kamov Ka-52K Helicopters For Russia Mistral Class Ships To Make First Flight Next Year

Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters for the Mistral class amphibious assault ships will make their first flight on 2015, Alexander Mikheev, the head of Russian Helicopters company, told RIA Novosti Tuesday.

"The helicopters of this type [Ka-52K] will be located on Mistral-class helicopter carriers, which France is obliged to deliver to Russia. The first helicopters are already constructed. The first trial flights of Ka-52K helicopters will take place in the beginning of 2015," Mikheev was quoted as saying.

In 2011, Russia and France signed a $1.6 billion deal for two Mistral-class ships however the deal has been embroiled in controversy.

The handover of the first ship, the Vladivostok, was scheduled for November 14, but did not take place because of Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis.