Ukrainian forces down Russian Ka‑52 helicopter in Kursk offensive
Footage has emerged online showing how the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a $16 million Russian Ka-52 helicopter. The incident took place on August 10 in the Kursk region.
4:12 PM EDT, August 17, 2024
The Russian military aviation continues to suffer losses in the war with Ukraine. The footage is said to show a burning Ka-52 helicopter in a field in the Kursk region, suggesting that it was shot down by Ukrainian air defense.
The helicopter was reportedly destroyed by Ukrainian special forces using American Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
Reports of the helicopter being shot down appeared last Saturday on Russian Telegram profiles. According to unofficial reports, the two-person helicopter crew was killed in the attack.
Multi-million dollar loss for Russia
The Ka-52 "Alligator" is a Russian combat helicopter designed for combat operations. It destroys tanks, armored vehicles, and low-flying targets and supports ground forces.
It can reach speeds of up to 186 miles per hour. Its combat radius is 286 miles, and its operational ceiling is 18,000 feet.
The Ka-52 can fire Vichr and Ataka guided missiles and unguided aerial missiles. It also has mounts for bombs and rocket missiles. The estimated price of one Ka-52 helicopter in 2024 is around $14-16 million.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an offensive operation in the Kursk region on Russian territory on August 6. Foreign armies have not occupied the territories of present-day Russia since World War II.
