Remain a big threat: it became known how many operational Ka-52 helicopters Russia has
Russia still has at least 25 undamaged operational Ka-52 Alligator combat helicopters in service. And they pose a serious threat to Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.
This was stated by OSINST analyst Tatarigami on social network X, formerly known as Twitter. He analyzed satellite images of airfields in the border regions of the Russian Federation and in the occupied territories of Ukraine, calculating the approximate number of Alligators that the Russians are still using in battles with the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The investigator collected and analyzed satellite images of air bases used by the Russians to deploy combat helicopters.
In particular, according to his calculations, on November 1, at least four Ka-52s were stationed at the air base in Taganrog, Russia. The absence of these helicopters in previous images confirms that they are actively used at the front.
Taganrog airfield
Source: Tatarigami
The Buturlinovka military airfield in the Voronezh region of Russia has at least five Ka-52 helicopters.
Buturlinovka military airfield in the Voronezh region of the Russian Federation
Source: Tatarigami
The researcher counted at least 5 Ka-52s there
Source: Tatarigami
Helicopters at an airfield in the Voronezh region
Source: Tatarigami
According to the researcher, a number of features make it possible to identify the Ka-52 on satellite images, such as the length of the fuselage, two coaxial propellers, a shorter tail and a unique shape of the front end
About eight more Alligators are stationed at the Zernograd air base in the Rostov region. The researcher obtained this figure by excluding those helicopters that are undergoing repair or maintenance (this is evident from the absence of rotor blades on them)
Ka-52 at the Zernograd air base
Source: Tatarigami
Ka-52 at the Zernograd air base
Source: Tatarigami
Ka-52 at the Zernograd air base
Source: Tatarigami
Ka-52 at the Zernograd air base
Source: Tatarigami
Ka-52 at the Zernograd air base
Source: Tatarigami
Yes, until recently, the occupiers concentrated a significant number of Ka-52s at the Rovenky air base in the Belgorod region. However, due to the proximity of the base to the border with Ukraine, the Russians dispersed the helicopters from there.
In October and early November, there were more than three Ka-52 helicopters at the Rovenki air base. However, only three of them were definitely in working order.
Rovenki air base, Belgorod region
Source: Tatarigami
Three of the Ka-52 helicopters deployed there are definitely operational
Source: Tatarigami
The researcher did not take into account air bases and airfields located in the central regions of the Russian Federation and the Far East.
Instead, he drew attention to the airfields used by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, in particular, the Kirovske airbase in Crimea, where six Ka-52 helicopters are stationed.
Kirovske, Crimea
Source: Tatarigami
Kirovske air base in Crimea
Source: Tatarigami
Kirovske air base in Crimea
Source: Tatarigami
Kirovske air base in Crimea
Source: Tatarigami
"Assume that approximately 30% of the helicopters I have identified may be duplicates (the same helicopter in different locations and at different times), partially or completely inoperable, or misidentified. Rounding up yields approximately 8 helicopters. Even if we assume that 8 were included by mistake, we still have 17 operational helicopters. Thus, the claims that there are no Ka-52s or only a few are invalid," the researcher noted.
He concluded that Russia currently has at least 25 operational Ka-52 helicopters, while the actual number, Tatarigami emphasizes, is likely much higher.
"Both the Ka-52 and numerous Mi-28 helicopters continue to pose a significant threat to Ukrainian forces on the front line. Their ability to deploy 305 light multipurpose guided missiles and Vihr ATGMs extends their range, allowing them to hit targets beyond the range of short-range air defense," the analyst added.
According to various sources, Russia had 140 to 160 Alligator combat helicopters at the time of the start of its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Several more units were produced after February 23, 2023.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that, according to preliminary information, as a result of a strike on airfields in Berdiansk and Luhansk on the night of October 16-17, the enemy lost 9 helicopters, a fuel depot, special equipment, and air defense equipment. They also managed to put runways out of action. The invaders' losses in killed and wounded run into dozens.
Russian propagandists admitted that this attack was one of the most powerful "since the beginning of the JFO". They also claimed that losses were not only in equipment but also in manpower.
OSINT researchers estimate that another 15 helicopters were damaged.
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