Russia is reportedly pursuing a significant modernisation of its combat and transport-combat helicopter fleet, introducing new airborne radar systems, specialised 80mm rockets and upgraded weapons interfaces designed to counter the growing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Ka-52M, Mi-8AMTSh-V, and Ka-29 helicopters are the three helicopters that are the subject of the proposed upgrades. These upgrades are part of a broader initiative to adapt army and naval aviation to the evolving demands of contemporary warfare.
Details of the programmes, identified as Rezet for the Ka-52M and Konevets for the Mi-8AMTSh-V, have emerged through slides attributed to a Russian defence electronics developer. In early November 2026, the information was disseminated through Russian military sources; however, official announcements have yet to independently verify the complete technical specifications and program status.
The most significant component is the integration of specialized ammunition designed to engage small aerial targets, such as fixed-wing drones, with enhanced airborne surveillance. The proposed configuration aims to broaden the selection of weapons that are available for counter-drone missions, rather than relying solely on conventional air-to-air missiles or helicopter cannon.
Ka-52M: The Rezet Programme Introduces an AESA Radar
The Rezet modernization program is centered around the Ka-52M reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The proposed upgrade is designed to improve target detection, expand the helicopter’s capacity to engage aerial threats, and integrate additional weapons into its current fire-control architecture.
The helicopter will be equipped with a new multifunction radar that includes an active electronically scanned array (AESA), as indicated by the technical material that has been disclosed. The radar uses electronic scanning, as opposed to the mechanical scanning arrangement that is typically associated with conventional radar systems. This is designed to enhance the capacity to monitor multiple targets, resist interference, and improve target tracking.
The radar specifications reported include an average power of 0.18 kW and a peak radiated pulse power of 1.8 kW. Electrical consumption from the helicopter’s onboard power supply can reach 4.5 kW, and its weight is specified as no more than 130 kg.
The radar is designed to improve the helicopter’s current electro-optical targeting equipment by offering an additional detection channel in the event of reduced visibility due to severe weather, smoke, or other environmental factors. Its functions extend beyond traditional ground reconnaissance to include the detection of small aerial targets and the provision of targeting information for the helicopter’s weapons.
The weapons-management system of the Ka-52M is also modified as part of the Rezet program. These consist of ammunition with programmable airburst capability for the helicopter’s 30mm 2A42-1 cannon, support for the Vikhr-1 guided missile, and the purported 170-1 missile designation.
Counter-drone operations are highly relevant to this combination. Engaging small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with conventional helicopter weapons can be challenging, particularly when direct-hit accuracy is necessary. Additional options for engaging such threats may be provided by programmable ammunition and enhanced radar-based target information.
A Counter-Drone Mission-Adapted 80mm Rocket: S-8VC
The S-8VC, an 80mm aviation rocket designed to engage aerial targets, particularly fixed-wing UAVs, is one of the most notable components of the proposed modernization.
The ammunition is adapted from the well-established S-8 rocket family, but it has been modified to accommodate counter-aircraft applications. The rocket has a loaded weight of up to 17.5 kg and a length of approximately 1.7 meters, as indicated by the published technical material. Although the effective distance is contingent upon the launch platform and operating configuration, the reported engagement range is 4,000 meters.
A key feature is the reported development of a radar homing head for the S-8VC. The associated radar seeker is claimed to detect and acquire small targets with a radar cross-section of 0.1 square metres at a distance of at least 1.5 kilometres.
The rocket is also described as having a high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuze. The purpose of this configuration is to decrease the reliance on a direct impact by enabling the warhead to detonate near an aerial target.
Another critical component of the upgrade is the launcher system. The B8V10-UV launch assembly, which includes K8V10-UV and K8V5-UV modules, is capable of accommodating configurations with 10, 15, 20, or 25 80mm caliber launch tubes. The technical presentation specifies a minimum interval of 0.08 seconds between launches, as well as contact-based transmission of the launch impulse and contactless transfer of flight assignments.
The S-8KL cassette-equipped rocket is also included in the proposed weapons bundle for ground engagements. The complete rocket weighs up to 16.3 kg, and it is purportedly equipped with 24 submunitions that have a combined mass of 7.3 kg. It is designed to target personnel in protected positions and armored vehicles.
Mi-8AMTSh-V: Extending Counter-Drone Capabilities Beyond Attack Helicopters
The modernization concept is extended to the Mi-8AMTSh-V transport-combat helicopter by the Konevets program. In contrast to the Ka-52M, which is predominantly intended for reconnaissance and attack missions, the Mi-8AMTSh-V integrates transport, assault support, and combat capabilities.
The proposed upgrade introduces a multifunction display identified as the MFI12 Adaptation. It is designed to provide the crew with tactical information, display the operating status of onboard systems, and generate aiming references.
It is also expected that the helicopter will be equipped with the upgraded BRLS-VA airborne radar. According to the published specifications, the equipment has a microwave output pulse power of at least 1,100 watts and can weigh up to 135 kg.
Its weapons configuration is expected to share substantial commonality with the Ka-52M. This comprises the S-8 launch modules, S-8VC counter-drone missiles with radar homing capabilities, and S-8KL cassette ammunition.
This standardization could streamline the integration of weapons, maintenance, and logistics across various helicopter types. It would also enable transport-combat helicopters to participate in aerial surveillance and counter-drone missions, as opposed to limiting these responsibilities to dedicated attack platforms.
Ka-29: Naval Aviation Also Enters the Modernisation Programme
The third helicopter identified in the modernisation plans is the Ka-29, a transport-combat helicopter operated by the Russian Navy. Its inclusion is especially noteworthy due to the unique combination of threats that naval aviation encounters, which includes unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels.
The Ka-29 would be equipped with additional capabilities to detect and engage tiny aerial and surface targets as a result of the proposed upgrade. The B8V10-UV launch modules, S-8VC rockets for aerial engagements, and S-8KL cassette-equipped ammunition for ground and surface targets are anticipated to comprise its weapons configuration.
This would broaden the helicopter’s potential to defend naval installations, support maritime operations, and respond to unmanned threats in the vicinity of ships and coastal infrastructure.
The proposed commonality with the Ka-52M and Mi-8AMTSh-V could also simplify the introduction of new ammunition and associated equipment across various disciplines of Russian aviation.
A Shift Towards Dedicated Counter-Drone Helicopter Capabilities
The Rezet and Konevets programs are indicative of a more extensive shift in the demands that military helicopters are expected to meet. The proliferation of drones that are relatively inexpensive has resulted in the necessity for more specialized detection systems and cost-conscious interception options.
A more distributed counter-drone capability across Russian army and naval aviation could be achieved by equipping three distinct helicopter platforms with enhanced radar systems and specialized 80mm ammunition.
However, the published technical information is based on presentation material circulated through military sources rather than comprehensive official programme announcements. The precise configuration, production schedule and operational status of the proposed upgrades therefore remain to be established.