Russian attack helicopters gain upper hand in southern Ukraine: UK intel

Russia's use of attack helicopters, particularly the Ka-52, has given them a temporary advantage in southern Ukraine, according to a UK Ministry of Defence briefing. The Ka-52 is the most widely used attack helicopter in the Russian Air Force and has been involved in the thickest fighting in Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022. The helicopter's longer-range missiles and forward-looking infrared camera make it a formidable weapon, but its lack of armor makes it vulnerable to shoulder-launched missiles and small-arms fire. The briefing revealed that over 20 extra Russian helicopters have been deployed to Berdyansk Airport, approximately 100km behind the front line.