Russian loses 23 Ka-52 helicopters in Ukraine

Russia has lost at least 23 Ka-52 HOKUM attack helicopters in Ukraine, according to UK Ministry of Defense, Qazet.az report citing The Telegraph.

"This represents over 25 percent of the Russian Air Force’s in-service fleet of 90 Ka-52s, and nearly half of Russia’s total helicopter losses in Ukraine," it said.

"Russian attack helicopters have likely suffered particular attrition from Ukrainian man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), while the helicopters frequently operate with less consistent top-cover from combat jets than they would expect under Russian military doctrine."

It added: "Russia is still failing to maintain adequate air superiority in order to reliably carry out effective fixed wing close air support near the front line, and its artillery ammunition is running low.