Russia to build two helicopter carriers
Russia will build two amphibious assault ships with diesel-gas turbine power plants by the end of 2026. This was reported by TASS, citing a source in the defense structures of the country.
According to the interlocutor, research and development work on helicopter carriers will begin in 2018; the beginning of construction is planned for 2020. "Production of the only serial ship is scheduled for 2022, with delivery in 2026," the agency source said.
The source also added that the helicopter carriers will have a diesel-gas-turbine unit, in which the diesel engine will be the main engine, and the turbine is essential for power augmentation.
The interlocutor from the agency added that the Ka-52K helicopters would form the basis of the air groups of the ships. Among the other vehicles that will be based on the ships are the Ka-27, Ka-29, and Ka-31 models.
At the same time, the source noted that the contractor was not yet determined, but the construction of helicopter carriers was included in the draft of the new state armament program for 2018-2025.
On May 25, Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Borisov announced that helicopter carriers were being included into the state armament program. According to him, the first Russian helicopter carrier may appear in four years.