Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in a coordinated operation with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, have successfully destroyed four Russian helicopters in the Belgorod region.
The target, a field airfield used for servicing, rearming, and refueling Russian aircraft, was struck by a HIMARS rocket system.
A video released by the Special Operations Forces on their official Telegram account documented the destruction of the four helicopters: two Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters.
The operation relied on precise targeting, enabled by the successful identification of the field airfield’s location and the subsequent transmission of coordinates to the HIMARS crew.
The strike utilized M30A2 rockets, known for their devastating submunition payload. Each rocket carries approximately 180,000 tungsten ball submunitions surrounding a 23 kg explosive charge. This design ensures widespread damage, effectively destroying equipment and personnel within a 70-meter radius of impact.
The video footage revealed tire tracks at the airfield, suggesting either recent refueling and arming of the helicopters or consistent use of the site by Russian forces.
The destruction of the Ka-52 attack helicopters is particularly significant, as these aircraft are heavily involved in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. Some Ka-52s are equipped with LMUR air-to-surface missiles, which possess a 15 km range and are guided by thermal imaging, posing a challenge to Ukrainian air defenses. Eliminating these helicopters on the ground is therefore crucial to reducing their combat effectiveness.
According to open-source intelligence from the Oryx project, Russia has now lost 63 Ka-52 helicopters and 46 Mi-8 helicopters of various modifications, representing substantial losses for its military aviation.
This successful operation follows a prior incident in December 2024, where a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter and its crew were lost. In that instance, Russian forces attributed the loss to friendly fire from their own air defense systems.
LOVE THE NEWS ABOUT RUSSIAN LOSSES BUT SAD ABOUT THE LOSS OF PERSONEL!!