Moscow, Cairo To Sign Deals On Ka-52K Helicopter For Egypt's Mistral-Class Helicopter Carriers

Russia will sign two contracts with Egypt on the Ka-52K helicopter and operating equipment supplies for its Mistral-class helicopter carriers.

"We must understand that the ships need to be additionally equipped with systems to operate the Russian helicopters. This will be a separate contract," Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev said.

He further confirmed that the date of signing the contract depends on the source of funding. He also pointed out that Cairo itself is interested in concluding the contract as soon as possible.

"A loan is not discussed in negotiations with Egypt. We held preliminary consultations, determined the helicopter's appearance, delivery times," Mikheev was quoted as saying by Sputnik News Wednesday.

On June 19, head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev said Russia had won the tender for supplies of Ka-52K helicopters to Egypt for Mistral helicopter carriers.

In 2016, Egypt bought two French-made Mistral warships from France. The Ka-52K is a naval modification of the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat helicopter designed to destroy armored vehicles, conduct patrol and escort missions and perform fire support operations.

Though initially France produced the helicopter carriers for Russia, Paris refused to deliver them to Russia in light of the increased tensions over the crisis in Ukraine.