MILITARY
Russische Ka-52 helikopter vertraagt tegenoffensief van Oekraïne
July 31, 2023 - The Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter is proving to be a formidable adversary as the Ukrainian army continues its counteroffensive against Russian forces.
While Russia has likely lost “around forty” Ka-52s since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the type is still imposing a “heavy cost”, according to the UK’s Defence Intelligence agency.
A key improvement for the Ka-52 fleet is the new LMUR anti-tank missile with a range of 15km, allowing the helicopter to conduct strikes outside the range of Ukrainian air defences.
The Ka-52 features distinctive coaxial main rotors and made its international debut at the Paris air show in June 2013. Armaments include a 30mm cannon, 80mm unguided rockets, and air-to-surface missiles.
The success of Russian attack platforms such as the Ka-52 lends urgency to Kyiv’s pleas for modern western fighter aircraft, specifically the Lockheed Martin F-16, according to Flight Global.