Russia Helicopter Losses: Over 100 in War Against Ukraine
**Russia has lost more than 100 attack helicopters in the initial two years of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.** A recent study by a NATO-affiliated organization has revealed that these losses amount to a significant portion of Russia’s aerial fleet. Reports from Flight Global confirm that the data used in this analysis was meticulously gathered from open sources, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by Russian forces in the air.
During a conference hosted by Defence IQ on February 26, Italian Colonel Emiliano Pellegrini emphasized that despite these losses, changes in Russia’s military doctrine and enhancements to its helicopter fleet have mitigated the rate of losses over time. This shift is crucial as it indicates an adaptation to the evolving battlefield conditions, which have previously led to substantial losses.
Impact of Helicopter Losses on Military Operations
The NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre’s analysis, while not officially including the Ka-52M, sheds light on the extent of Russia’s operational difficulties. The findings indicate that approximately 59 helicopters, including various models such as the Kamov Ka-52s, Mil Mi-28Ns, and Mi-24s, were destroyed within the first year of combat. This figure represents nearly 30% of the helicopters currently operational, highlighting the severe impact of these losses on Russia’s military capabilities.
Of the destroyed helicopters, 42 were shot down in combat, while 17 were lost due to ground attacks. Notably, the Ka-52s accounted for 62% of these losses, followed by the Mi-24 at 21% and the Mi-28N at 17%. The report further reveals that nearly half of the helicopters shot down were targeted by MANPADS missiles, underscoring the vulnerability of these aircraft during combat operations.
Operational Challenges Faced by Russian Helicopters
The report also highlights several operational challenges that have contributed to these high loss rates. For instance, the Ka-52, frequently deployed by the Russian military, has been found to suffer from high vibration levels, limiting its effectiveness in long-range targeting. Additionally, issues such as poor coordination with ground forces, reliance on outdated maps, inadequate self-defense systems, and limited night flying capabilities have exacerbated the situation.
Colonel Pellegrini pointed out that Russia’s military strategy appears stuck in the past, operating with a 20th-century mindset and failing to adapt to modern technological advancements. He noted, “They don’t seem to have adapted to new technologies; they were operating as a 20th-century war power,” which has significantly hindered their operational effectiveness.
Adapting Strategies to Reduce Helicopter Losses
Despite these setbacks, Russia has reportedly made efforts to address its shortcomings. According to Pellegrini, there has been a noticeable decline in helicopter losses during the second year of the conflict, with figures dropping by 52% to only 19 helicopters lost by March 1, 2024. This reduction suggests that Russian forces are beginning to learn from their experiences and are refining their tactics.
However, while the overall helicopter losses have decreased, the number of helicopters damaged or destroyed on the ground has increased by 40%, now totaling 28. Pellegrini’s initial observations for the third year of conflict indicate that as Russia improves its operational strategies and gains a better understanding of helicopter deployment, the trend of reduced losses is likely to continue.
