A Russian Ka-52E attack helicopter equipped with the Strelets control equipment and launcher module set has been showcased at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt.
State defense holding company High-Precision Complexes announced the presentation in a statement published on Telegram, confirming that the export combat aircraft had been fitted with the specialized missile system.
The Strelets system, officially designated as a set of control equipment and launching modules, is engineered for the automated firing of Igla-S and Verba man-portable air defense missiles. High-Precision Complexes reported that fitting these anti-aircraft weapons onto the helicopter enables it to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles, low-flying airplanes and incoming cruise missiles.
The Ka-52E is the designated export version of the Ka-52 Alligator, a twin-seat reconnaissance and attack helicopter developed by the Kamov Design Bureau. The aircraft features a distinctive coaxial twin-rotor layout that eliminates the need for a traditional tail rotor, providing high maneuverability in combat operations. High-Precision Complexes, a major holding company within Russia's state defence conglomerate Rostec, develops tactical weapons, missile defense systems and military equipment for domestic forces and foreign clients.
Counter-drone weapons suite
High-Precision Complexes noted that the Strelets launcher modules are not limited to the Ka-52E and can be mounted across a broad range of other Russian-manufactured helicopters.
The integration of air defense missile kits comes amid increased emphasis on using rotary-wing aircraft for counter-drone operations. In May, video footage emerged demonstrating a Russian Aerospace Forces Ka-52 helicopter destroying a Ukrainian Armed Forces drone using gunfire from its 30mm automatic cannon.
That incident followed earlier developments in September 2025, when a Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopter outfitted with Strelets modules was spotted in Russia, having been prepared specifically for drone interception duties.
The Igla-S and Verba weapons utilized by the Strelets system are short-range man-portable air defense systems, typically operated by ground troops against low-altitude aerial targets. The Mi-28N Night Hunter is an all-weather military helicopter produced by the Mil Design Bureau as a heavy attack aircraft. The El Alamein International Airshow takes place in Egypt near the Mediterranean coastal town of El Alamein, showcasing commercial and military technology from international defense contractors.
