russia isn't superior in air, as it loses helicopters on battlefield almost daily – UK intelligence
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The russian army is increasingly using high-risk helicopter missions to directly support troops in battle. In response, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are increasingly destroying their helicopters.
Rubryka reports, referring to the UK Ministry of Defense intelligence review report.
British intelligence reported significant russian losses of Ka-52 helicopters.
According to the British Ministry of Defense, at least 23 confirmed losses of russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters have been recorded since the invasion of Ukraine.
According to British intelligence, this represents more than 25% of the russian air force's active fleet, including 90 Ka-52s. And almost half of the total losses of russian helicopters in Ukraine, the British Ministry of Defense adds.
Intelligence sources emphasize that russian attack helicopters are likely to be particularly affected by Ukrainian man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 25 October 2022
Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/bZmLpOMrm8
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/xz5YZDfgkT
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) October 25, 2022
It is because russian helicopters often operate in conditions of less cover from combat aircraft than is prescribed by russian military doctrine.
"Russia is still failing to maintain adequate air superiority in order to reliably carry out effective fixed-wing close air support near the front line, and its artillery ammunition is running low," the review emphasized.
"Russian commanders are likely increasingly resorting to conducting high-risk attack helicopter missions as one of the few options available to provide close support for troops in combat," British intelligence said.
We will remind you that on October 24, Ukrainian anti-aircraft forces shot down three Ka-52 helicopters.
