Ukrainian forces down £13m Russian helicopter in Kursk offensive
Footage has emerged online showing how the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down a £13 million Russian Ka-52 helicopter. The incident took place on 10 August in the Kursk region.
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, which suggests that it was shot down by Ukrainian air defence.
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 pound loss for Russia
The Ka-52 "Alligator" is a Russian combat helicopter designed for combat operations. It destroys tanks, armoured vehicles, and low-flying targets and supports ground forces.
It can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. Its combat radius is 460 kilometres, and its operational ceiling is 5,500 metres.
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 £11-13 million.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an offensive operation on Russian territory in the Kursk region on 6 August. Foreign armies have not occupied the territories of present-day Russia since the Second World War.
