Ukraine mulls production of combat helicopters

State-owned Ukroboronprom Concern, in cooperation with Motor Sich JSC and private defense companies, is planning to manufacture Ukrainian combat helicopters, according to Ukroboronprom CEO Pavlo Bukin who made the announcement during his visit to the Zaporizhia-based Motor Sich, the Concern’s press service reports.

"The Zaporizhia-based enterprise has developed a program to create Ukrainian military helicopters. I am convinced that in close cooperation with the enterprises of the Concern's aviation cluster, and other private defense companies, we can achieve high-quality results and create a reliable combat aircraft,” noted Bukin.

At present, the Concern's enterprises have created two gyro-stabilizing platforms for Mi-type helicopters.

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Photoprylad Company developed a PM-LKT suspended module, which ensures the search, detection, recognition of ground targets, such as tanks, armored vehicles and others, as well as targeting high-precision missiles at those targets. In 2018, this module has already been field tested.

At the same time, Izium Instrument-Making Plant, in cooperation with other defense enterprises, has developed a new-generation optical sighting station OPSN-I. Now the station is undergoing the first stages of testing, which should confirm its high technical characteristics and ability to operate in extreme conditions.

"The use of these platforms allows for the targeting of guided missiles of the Baryer-V missile complex developed by Luch Design Office, using lasers from helicopters and, in the future, from attack aircraft," the report said.