2 ms·
Russia's Ka-52 were a significant problem for Ukraine in the summer 2023 offensive. When Ukraine's armour would meet massive mine fields and get stymied, it was
by morkalork 2y ago
Russia's Ka-52 were a significant problem for Ukraine in the summer 2023 offensive. When Ukraine's armour would meet massive mine fields and get stymied, it was Ka-52s arriving, popping up over tree lines and taking pot shots at them with ATGMs from a distance that outranged most of their MANPADs. Only a few were taken out by lucky hits near the front. The only reason they aren't seen as much anymore is because Russia was idiotic and kept them parked at an airfield within ATACMS range.
- jonstewart 2y agoCame here to say this. Ukraine also adapted by, most likely, having a roving Patriot that ambushed a few Ka-52s (and a few fixed-wing jets). Western militaries don't seem to have much capability for tactical/mobile medium range air defense. The Russian Air Force has been extremely unimpressive, but has cobbled together an effective tactic now of launching glide bombs at front line targets from relatively safe territory. I am surprised no one has figured out how to put one or two long-range air-air missiles on a loitering high altitude drone.
- indymike 2y ago> Russia's Ka-52 were a significant problem for Ukraine in the summer 2023 offensive This is why in 2024 Ukraine is now shooting down helicopters (they have shot down three now) with FPV drones.