Russian military strengthens air squad in Crimea
Satellite images have revealed the number of Mi-28 and Ka-52 helicopters, as well as Su-25 fighters, located at the airport in the city of Dzhankoy (in Crimea). This information comes from the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, which also highlights the Russian army's suspicious activity, notably the painting of helicopter images on the airport tarmac.
At the Russian airport on Saturday, 9 March (when the photos were captured), there were 10 Mi-28 attack helicopters, two Ka-52s, and four Su-25 planes. The presence of these aircraft might indicate that there are plans to step up attacks in the southern region of Ukraine. However, Defense Express points out the significant move of withdrawing the S-400 air defence systems from Dzhankoy, suggesting they could have been relocated further into Russia.
The S-400 systems mentioned could thus be used by the military as a defense against Ukrainian shelling in areas where attacks are becoming more frequent or anticipated. A noteworthy point is the observation on the airport tarmac of a tactic aimed at deceiving the opponent: painting helicopter images on the concrete.
"A fake Mi-28 painted at the airport is quite peculiar. There's only one reason behind it" – the article suggests. Defense Express believes that Russia aims to conceal the loss of Mi-28 helicopters on the front line by painting their likenesses at the airport. It's also considered possible that Russia has dismantled an Mi-28 for parts to repair other helicopters – a strategy to obscure the repurposing of its equipment.
Russian Helicopters in Crimea
Among the aircraft featured in the satellite images published by Defense Express, the Ka-52 helicopters are particularly noteworthy. They are among the most challenging helicopters to neutralize in the Russian Federation's arsenal. Originating from the 1980s, their production started in 2008.
Equipped with two Klimov VK-2500 engines, the helicopter can reach speeds of up to 186 mph and is capable of carrying substantial armaments – including laser-guided AT-12 missiles with the I-252W targeting system and the Shipunov 2A42 30 mm cannon. Despite weighing approximately 8 tonnes, the Ka-52 is exceptionally manoeuvrable, thanks largely to its coaxial rotor design.
Another notable aircraft at the Crimea airport is the Russian counterpart to the American Apache, the Mi-28. This helicopter, built in a classic configuration with two rotors and seats one behind the other in the cockpit, carries as its main weapon the Shipunov 2A42-2 30 mm cannon. It can also be outfitted with an anti-tank system, Ataka, with 9M120 missiles and can carry missiles weighing up to roughly 500 kg.
The last aircraft discussed is the Su-25, a ground support aircraft introduced in 1978. It plays a pivotal role in providing air support at the forefront of battle. The Su-25 is designed to enhance ground forces' safety, capable of reaching altitudes of approximately 7,000 metres. Its armaments, which can weigh up to over 4 tonnes, are mounted on 10 wing pylons.
