Since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been unable to establish enduring air superiority. Instead, numerous fighter jets and helicopters are shot down. According to British data, Russia loses more than a quarter of its flagship Ka-52 attack helicopters.
According to British estimates, Russia loses a particularly large number of combat helicopters in the war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the invasion began in February, there have been at least 23 confirmed losses of the Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter (NATO code: HOKUM-B), the Ministry of Defense in London said, citing intelligence findings. That’s more than a quarter of the operational fleet of 90 Ka-52s and nearly half of Russia’s total helicopter losses in Ukraine. They currently amount to 54 helicopters.
The Russian combat helicopters would be destroyed primarily by so-called manpads, i.e. portable anti-aircraft systems, it said in London. In addition, they have less protection from fighter jets than is actually provided for in Russian military doctrine. The British Ministry ruled that Russia is still unable to provide effective air support. In addition, the artillery ammunition is running out. “Russian commanders are likely to increasingly resort to high-risk attack helicopter missions as one of the few options available to provide close combat support to troops.”
The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
