The Ka-126 was a further development of the Ka-26 with a turboshaft engine. Series production was to take place at the Brasov Aircraft Factory in Romania as part of the economic co-operation within the CMEA (Comecon). Between 1988 and 1991, twelve Ka-126s were built at Brasov, although nine of them did not receive engines because they were unable to produce them (7 of these unfinished helicopters were later handed over to Kamov OKB).

Still in service in 2022.