According to the report of the British Ministry of Defence on October 25, 2022, at least 23 losses of Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters (NATO-classified Hokum B) have been confirmed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Source: British Ministry of Defence
It is noted that this represents more than 25% of the Russian Air Force fleet of 90 Ka-52 helicopters and almost half of the total losses of Russian helicopters in Ukraine.
“Russian attack helicopters have likely suffered particular attrition from Ukrainian man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), while the helicopters frequently operate with less consistent top-cover from combat jets than they would expect under the Russian military doctrine,” notes the British Ministry of Defence.
The British Ministry of Defence believes that Russia is unable to maintain sufficient air superiority in order to provide reliable air support near the front lines, and its artillery ammunition is running low.
“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,” concluded UK Intelligence.
See also: Ukrainian military destroyed 3 Russian helicopters and 3 ammunition depots in the south
