The reason why Russia reduced the intensity of its air strikes on Ukraine with the Ka-52 `tank killer`.
(Dan Tri) – Experts point out the reason why Russia reduced the frequency of attacks on Ukrainian targets with Ka-52 – one of the world’s most powerful helicopters.
Russian Ka-52 `Alligator` attack helicopter flies in the Lugansk region (Photo: Reuters).
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Ukraine’s improved ability to attack and destroy Russian Ka-52 helicopters has caused Moscow commanders to consider limiting their ability to attack and destroy Russian Ka-52 helicopters.
ISW commented that developments on the battlefield show that Russia has reduced the intensity of using the Ka-52 to block Ukraine’s counterattack on the Eastern and Southern fronts.
In June, the British Ministry of Defense stated that Russia has significantly increased its helicopter attack capabilities since Ukraine began its counterattack campaign, notably the Ka-52 series.
According to British assessments, Russia has gained a `temporary advantage` on the southern front against the enemy’s counterattack mainly thanks to the deployment of attack helicopters with long-range missiles aimed at military targets.
He said that the Ka-52 – one of the most powerful attack helicopters in the world – was Russia’s most influential weapon on the battlefield at that time.
However, ISW said that recently, Russia has reduced the intensity of using the Ka-52 `tank killer` on the front lines.
`Ukrainian forces appear to have increased their ability to shoot down Russian Ka-52 helicopters since mid-August and the Russian Command may have reduced the use of aviation in western Zaporizhia because of concerns about weapons losses
ISW did not specify how Ukraine was able to shoot down more Russian helicopters.
The Ka-52 has high mobility, is equipped with thick armor and anti-tank missiles with a range of about 12km.
Gian Gentile, an analyst with the RAND Corporation (USA), said that attack helicopters helped Russia stop Ukrainian tanks at a long distance, beyond the interception range of the Ukrainian air defense system.
However, Ukrainian military website Defense Express said in August that Swedish-made shoulder-mounted anti-aircraft missiles are causing effective damage to Russian helicopters.
However, observers say that Russia’s reduction in the intensity of Ka-52 deployment does not seriously affect Russia’s defense capabilities.
`Russian forces appear to have increased their use of offensive drones against advancing Ukrainian forces, and Russian artillery units continue to play a key role in pushing back,` ISW said.
Russia’s increased use of UAVs is understandable because unmanned vehicles are cheap, relatively highly effective, and especially reduce the risk of personnel loss.
Pilots are considered a valuable asset of the air force because they require a very long training period to be able to participate in combat.