Russia's helicopter strategy poses new threat to Ukraine
Russia has deployed two-thirds of its combat-ready attack helicopters to fight in Ukraine. Due to changes in Russian tactics, these machines have become—according to Western sources—the "worst nightmare" for Ukrainians.
225 attack helicopters of various types have been deployed by Russia to fight in Ukraine, claims Janes Defence. This number includes 95 Mi-24 and Mi-35, 75 Ka-52, and 55 Mi-28 helicopters. This constitutes about two-thirds of all combat-ready helicopters (340 units) that the Russian army has at its disposal.
So far, according to Oryx's data, the destruction of at least 18 Mi-24/35 helicopters, 64 Ka-52, and 16 Mi-28—a total of 98 units—has been documented. The statistics show that the oldest models, developed in the 1960s and known as "devil's chariots," are proportionally the least destroyed.
Destruction of Russian Ka-52
Attention is also drawn to the significant losses among the most technologically advanced Ka-52 helicopters. It is unclear whether this is due to the particular vulnerability of these machines or their deployment in the most challenging and risky operations.
Western experts also note that Russian helicopters, which were relatively easy targets for Ukrainians at the outset of the war, have over time become a "true nightmare" for them. This change is due to alterations in Russian tactics for using this equipment, making them very difficult to shoot down.
Helicopters out of missile range
The effects of this development could be observed during the failed Ukrainian offensive, when Russian attack helicopters were used as mobile launchers for guided anti-tank missiles.
They operated kilometres from the front line, over their own formations, where they were out of reach of Ukrainian MANPADS (man-portable air-defence systems, such as the FIM-92 Stinger or PPZR Piorun). At the same time—thanks to the range of their guided anti-tank missiles—they were able to effectively engage Ukrainian vehicles.
