Russia loses nearly 40 Ka-52 combat helicopters in ongoing war - British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defense reported this on Twitter with reference to intelligence data, Ukrinform saw.

"As Ukrainian forces continue major offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, one of the single most influential Russian weapon systems in the sector is the Ka-52 HOKUM attack helicopter," British intelligence notes.

At the same time, it is reported that Russia lost around 40 Ka-52s since the invasion, but the type has also imposed a “heavy cost” on Ukraine.

"In recent months, Russia has highly likely augmented the force in the south with at least a small number of brand new Ka-52 variants: a heavily modified aircraft, informed by lessons from Russia’s experience in Syria," the British Ministry of Defense wrote.

Evidence supporting the M variant’s use in Ukraine includes photos posted on social media of "aircrew posing next to the new aircraft and thanking well-wishers for sending them morale items," the summary says.

Another important improvement to the Ka-52 fleet is the integration of a new anti-tank missile, the LMUR, which has a range of nearly 15 kilometers. Alligator crews have been quick to exploit opportunities to launch these weapons beyond the range of Ukrainian air defenses, the intelligence agencyadded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in its previous report, British intelligence said the Russian Black Sea Fleet changed its vessels’ deployment location at sea after Russia withdrew from the grain agreement.