Editing Kamov Ka-50 (section)

===Russian invasion of Ukraine===
[[File:Ка-52 в боях за аэропорт Антонов.png|thumb|Cockpit view of a Ka-52 during the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]]]]
[[File:Ка-52 helicopter pilot POV in Kiev region with attack and landing.webm|thumb|Cockpit view of a Ka-52 during the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]] (video version)]]

On 24 February 2022, during the initial stages of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], at least one Russian Ka-52 helicopter was damaged but was able to land on its own.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/video-alleged-downed-russian-ka-52-helicopter-ukraine-goes-viral-1682396 |title=Video of Alleged Downed Russian Ka-52 Helicopter in Ukraine Goes Viral |work=Newsweek |date=24 February 2022 |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224195359/https://www.newsweek.com/video-alleged-downed-russian-ka-52-helicopter-ukraine-goes-viral-1682396 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March, a Russian Ka-52 was hit by a [[surface-to-air missile]] and crash landed.<ref>[https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/na-kyyivshhyni-znajshly-zbytyj-bojovyj-vertolit-ka-52 "На Київщині знайшли збитий бойовий вертоліт Ка-52" (In the Kyiv region, the Ka-52 combat helicopter was shot down)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305023007/https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/na-kyyivshhyni-znajshly-zbytyj-bojovyj-vertolit-ka-52/ |date=5 March 2022}}. mil.in.ua, 3 March 2022.</ref> On 12 March, Ukrainian forces reported that Ka-52 tail number ''RF-13409'' had been shot down in Novomykolaivka near [[Kherson]].<ref>{{cite news |title=На Херсонщині знищено черговий найновіший ударний вертоліт РФ Ка-52 |url=https://defence-ua.com/news/na_hersonschini_znischeno_chergovij_najnovishij_udarnij_vertolit_rf_ka_52-6401.html |work=Defense Express |date=12 March 2022 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105181356/https://defence-ua.com/news/na_hersonschini_znischeno_chergovij_najnovishij_udarnij_vertolit_rf_ka_52-6401.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ukraine officials claimed on 16 March 2022 that Ka-52 number ''RF-13411'' was shot down at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, providing footage of the airframe wreckage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ще один ударний вертоліт Ка-52 рашистів на Миколаївщині перетворили на металобрухт |url=https://defence-ua.com/news/sche_odin_udarnij_vertolit_ka_52_rashistiv_na_mikolajivschini_peretvorili_na_metalobruht-6468.html |work=Defense Express Ukraine |date=16 March 2022 |language=Ukrainian |access-date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331172050/https://defence-ua.com/news/sche_odin_udarnij_vertolit_ka_52_rashistiv_na_mikolajivschini_peretvorili_na_metalobruht-6468.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Footage appeared on social media on 5 April 2022 that appeared to show a hovering Ka-52 shot down by a Ukrainian [[Skif (ATGM)|Stugna-P]] anti-tank guided missile.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cenciotti |first1=David |title=Footage Emerges Of Russian Ka-52 Alligator Gunship Shot Down By Ukrainian Anti-Tank Missile |url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/04/05/ka-52-shot-down-atgm/ |website=theaviationist.com |date=5 April 2022 |publisher=The Aviationist |access-date=5 April 2022 |archive-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405162348/https://theaviationist.com/2022/04/05/ka-52-shot-down-atgm/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 April, Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down another Ka-52 and published footage of the wreckage; the crew were reported to have died.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roman |last=Donik |title=The 93rd Separate Kholodnyi Yar Mechanized Brigade shot down a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-93rd-separate-kholodnyi-yar-mechanized-brigade-had-shot-down-a-russian-ka-52-attack-helicopter/ |website=mil.in.ua |publisher=Ukrainian Military Center |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=8 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708212820/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-93rd-separate-kholodnyi-yar-mechanized-brigade-had-shot-down-a-russian-ka-52-attack-helicopter/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 May footage appeared of another Ka-52 shot down using a Stugna-P anti-tank guided missile.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roman |last=Bochkala |title=Військові показали знищення з ПТРК "Стугна-П" другого Ка-52 |url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/vijskovi-pokazaly-znyshhenyaya-z-ptrk-stugna-p-drugogo-ka-52/ |website=mil.in.ua |publisher=Ukrainian Military Center |access-date=1 May 2022 |language=uk |archive-date=1 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501140457/https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/vijskovi-pokazaly-znyshhenyaya-z-ptrk-stugna-p-drugogo-ka-52/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 June, Ukrainian forces of the [[128th Mountain Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|128th Mountain Brigade]] reported the downing of a Russian Ka-52 in the north. According to Ukrainian officials, the helicopter was shot down by MANPADS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/278972|title=Aviation Incident #278972|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-date=7 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607162307/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/278972|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ppo-ukrayiny-na-donbasi-zbyla-rosijskyj-vertolit/|title=ППО України на Донбасі збила російський вертоліт|language=uk|work=Mil.in.ua|date=4 June 2022|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-date=14 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614234557/https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ppo-ukrayiny-na-donbasi-zbyla-rosijskyj-vertolit/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 June, another helicopter was hit by a British-made [[Martlet (missile)|Martlet]] MANPADS, forcing it to land.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayinski-desantnyky-z-pzrk-martlet-urazyly-vorozhyj-gelikopter/|title=Українські десантники з ПЗРК Martlet уразили ворожий гелікоптер|language=uk|date=27 June 2022|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627185729/https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayinski-desantnyky-z-pzrk-martlet-urazyly-vorozhyj-gelikopter/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 August, Ukrainian forces damaged a Russian Ka-52 helicopter flying in Donetsk Oblast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayinska-ppo-zbyla-vorozhyj-ka-52-na-donechchyni/|title=Українська ППО збила ворожий Ка-52 на Донеччині|language=uk|date=15 August 2022|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815192258/https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/ukrayinska-ppo-zbyla-vorozhyj-ka-52-na-donechchyni/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reportedly, a few Ka-52s have suffered from wing vibration under heavy-load attack missions. This was observed months after the invasion. It has been suggested that this may be due to causes such as fatigue, inadequate design, lack of maintenance, and poor management.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/russias-ka-52-attack-helicopters-have-got-a-serious-vibration-problem|title=Russia's Ka-52 Attack Helicopters Have A Serious Vibration Problem|date=May 16, 2022|access-date=May 19, 2022|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517123938/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/russias-ka-52-attack-helicopters-have-got-a-serious-vibration-problem|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ukrainian military intelligence claimed that the Ka-52 can be "disabled with a 7.62mm machine gun" despite a claimed ability to withstand 12.7mm rounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/russian-weapons-are-old-and-ineffective-new-report-from-ukraines-ministry-of-defence-says/news-story/930bdd03088aa6c1b8306decd6734b44 |title=Russian weapons are old and ineffective, new report from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence says |website=skynews.com.au |author1=Miriah Davis |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813065753/https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/russian-weapons-are-old-and-ineffective-new-report-from-ukraines-ministry-of-defence-says/news-story/930bdd03088aa6c1b8306decd6734b44 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ka-52s have been heavily used by Russian forces to defend against the [[2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive]]. They have been successful, due in part to a shortage of Ukrainian short-range air defence, or [[SHORAD]], weapons. Due to the unique design of the coaxial main rotors, the helicopter can withstand the destruction of the tail. A video released on 19 June 2023 shows a Ka-52 losing its tail. The [[UK MOD]] has noted the movement of additional Ka-52s to an airfield near [[Berdiansk]], "In the constant contest between aviation measures and counter-measures, it is likely that Russia has gained a temporary advantage in southern Ukraine, especially with attack helicopters employing longer-range missiles against ground targets".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/badly-damaged-russian-ka-52-attack-helicopter-flies-without-its-tail-over-ukraine|title=The unusual design features of the Ka-52 attack helicopter allow it to keep flying even with much of its tail missing in action.|website=thedrive.com|author1=Newdick, Thomas|date=June 19, 2023|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-date=20 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620205031/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/badly-damaged-russian-ka-52-attack-helicopter-flies-without-its-tail-over-ukraine|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/06/17/russian-attack-helicopters-upper-hand-southern-ukraine/ |title=Russian attack helicopters gain upper hand on key southern front, says UK MoD |website=telegraph.co.uk |author1=Jessica Abrahams |author2=James Kilner |date=June 17, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |archive-date=3 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703220726/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/06/17/russian-attack-helicopters-upper-hand-southern-ukraine/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraines-armor-appears-to-have-a-russian-attack-helicopter-problem |title=Ukraine's Armor Appears To Have A Russian Attack Helicopter Problem |website=thedrive.com |author1=THOMAS NEWDICK |author2=TYLER ROGOWAY |date=June 15, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2023 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224521/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraines-armor-appears-to-have-a-russian-attack-helicopter-problem |url-status=dead}}</ref>

As of late July 2023, the UK MoD claimed that Russia has lost 40 Ka-52s since the start of the Russian invasion. At the same time the UK MoD said on 27 July 2023: "One of the single most influential Russian weapon systems in the sector is the Ka-52 HOKUM attack helicopter". With the [[LMUR]] missile, the Ka-52 has an attack range of 15&nbsp;km, putting it beyond the range of Ukrainian air defences.<ref>{{Cite web |title= New Russian Missile Is Slowing Ukraine's Counteroffensive |date= 28 July 2023 |author= David Hambling |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/07/28/new-russian-missile-is-slowing-ukrainian-counteroffensive/?sh=6c71fed37878 |website= Forbes |access-date= 3 August 2023 |archive-date= 3 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230803134948/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/07/28/new-russian-missile-is-slowing-ukrainian-counteroffensive/?sh=6c71fed37878 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Russia is using heavily modified Ka-52M aircraft in Ukraine and has equipped its fleet with long-range anti-tank missiles, says UK intel |date= 27 July 2023 |author= Sinéad Baker |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-ka52m-helicopters-long-range-anti-tank-missile-ukraine-uk-2023-7?amp |website= Business Insider |access-date= 3 August 2023 |archive-date= 3 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230803134948/https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-ka52m-helicopters-long-range-anti-tank-missile-ukraine-uk-2023-7?amp |url-status= live}}</ref>

On 7 August 2023, a Russian Ka-52 was reported shot down over [[Robotyne]], making it the 40th lost during the current invasion according to Oryx. Oryx only counts losses confirmed through open sources.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.insider.com/russia-loses-40-alligator-helicopters-2023-8 |title= Russia loses 40th Ka-52 Alligator, which the Kremlin calls the world's 'best helicopter gunship' |date=2023-08-13 |publisher=Business Insider |author= Rebecca Rommen}}</ref>

On 17 August 2023, Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down two Ka-52s in one day. One was downed near [[Robotyne]] with a [[MANPAD]] by the [[47th Mechanized Brigade]], a second was claimed by the Ukrainian Air Force near [[Bakhmut]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-downed-2-russian-ka-52-helicopters-1-morning-2023-8?amp |title= Ukraine says it downed 2 Ka-52 attack helicopters, which Russia calls the world's best, in a single morning |author= Sinéad Baker |date= 2023-08-17 |publisher= Business Insider |access-date= 17 August 2023 |archive-date= 17 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230817121027/https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-downed-2-russian-ka-52-helicopters-1-morning-2023-8?amp |url-status= live}}</ref> Ukraine has reported that the missile system used to shoot down a Ka-52 near Robotyne was the [[RBS-70]]. While a Ka-52 has countermeasures for infra-red and laser guided missiles, it appears to lack radar jamming. It has to rely flying with helicopters like the [[Mi-28]]s that have radar jamming technology.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/08/17/ukraines-helicopter-killing-rbs-70-missiles-can-see-right-through-russian-jamming/?sh=320f05b63372 |title= Ukraine's Helicopter-Killing RBS-70 Missiles Can See Right Through Russian Jamming |author= David Axe |date= 2023-08-17 |work= Forbes |access-date= 18 August 2023 |archive-date= 18 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230818135003/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/08/17/ukraines-helicopter-killing-rbs-70-missiles-can-see-right-through-russian-jamming/?sh=320f05b63372 |url-status= live}}</ref> Despite sanctions Russia has continued to manufacture Ka-52s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-should-not-be-able-to-make-attack-helicopters-ukraine-official-2023-8 |title=Ukraine says it can shoot down Ka-52 attack helicopters but Russia needs to be stopped from making new ones |author=Jake Epstein |date=2023-08-18 |work=Forbes |access-date=18 August 2023 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818135003/https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-should-not-be-able-to-make-attack-helicopters-ukraine-official-2023-8 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Additionally five Ka-52s have been destroyed by Ukrainian tactical missiles on 18 October on the grounds of Berdiansk airport, as reported by Oryx (via satellite imaging).<ref name="oryxspioenkop.com">{{Cite web |author= |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Oryx |archive-date=4 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604015103/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A Ka-52 was shot down during the [[Wagner Group rebellion]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Russian Air Force suffers significant losses in Wagner mutiny |first=Gareth |last=Jennings |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/russian-air-force-suffers-significant-losses-in-wagner-mutiny |website=Janes |date=26 June 2023 |access-date=27 June 2023 |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626235912/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/russian-air-force-suffers-significant-losses-in-wagner-mutiny |url-status=live}}</ref> Another Ka-52 was able to decoy a missile fired from a Wagner operated [[9K35 Strela-10]] by use of flares.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Ka-52 came back from the dead by dropping anti-missile decoys |first=Alexey |last=Lenkov |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/06/25/ka-52-came-back-from-the-dead-by-dropping-anti-missile-decoys/ |website=Bulgarian Military |date=26 June 2023 |access-date=27 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627081318/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/06/25/ka-52-came-back-from-the-dead-by-dropping-anti-missile-decoys/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 July 2024, a Ka-52 was purportedly shot down by a [[BM-27 Uragan]] rocket according to Russian telegram source, both crew were killed, but the location and date of the downing have not been released. This followed a similar event where a rocket narrowly missed an Ka-52 per cockpit footage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In Russia it has been announced the loss of Ka-52 due to Uragan rocket hit |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/in-russia-it-has-been-announced-the-loss-of-ka-52-due-to-uragan-rocket-hit/ |date=19 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-19 |publisher=mil.in.ua}}</ref>

On 7 August 2024 during the [[Ukrainian incursion into Kursk]], a Ka-52 was destroyed along with the two-man crew. The Ukrainians are concerned about the ability of the aircraft to carry [[9K121 Vikhr]] air-to-surface missiles, as they are able to penetrate tank armour. The Ka-52 "can carry up to 12 units, allowing it to attack targets from 5 to 11 kilometres."<ref name="duk1">{{cite news |url=https://dailywrap.uk/ukrainian-forces-storm-kursk-oblast-destroy-prized-ka-52-helicopter,7057451760092801a |title=Ukrainian forces storm Kursk Oblast, destroy prized Ka-52 helicopter }}</ref><ref name="msn1">{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/ukrainian-forces-strike-deep-into-kursk-russia-suffers-losses/ar-AA1oolI4}}</ref>

Ukrainian forces have shot down a Ka-52 attack helicopter using a Swedish-made [[RBS 70|RBS-70]] man-portable anti-air missile in the Kursk region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-09-04 |title=Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter falls victim to Swedish RBS-70 MANDAP again, FPV drones down Mi-28 helicopters |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/09/04/rbs-70-downs-ka-52/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 7 September 2024, 61 Ka-52s have been destroyed during the conflict.<ref>[https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine"]. Oryx, Accessed 7 September 2024.</ref>

On 23 March 2025, in an operation carried out by the Ukrainian special operations forces, two KA-52s along with two Mi-8s were destroyed by [[HIMARS]] at a forward deployment point in Ivnyansky Raion, Belgorod Oblast.<ref>[https://www.twz.com/air/ukraine-launched-himars-attack-on-russian-helicopters-in-belgorod "Ukraine Launched HIMARS Attack On Russian Helicopters In Belgorod"]. TWZ, Accessed 25 March 2025.</ref>

[[Oryx (website)|Oryx]], a Dutch open source website, visually confirmed 64 Ka-52s were destroyed or damaged as of 24 March 2025 (of which, 51 destroyed and 13 damaged).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html?m=1|title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine|date=March 18, 2025|access-date=March 18, 2025}}</ref>