The power of the Russian Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter was manifested again by neutralizing two Ukrainian tanks in less than half a minute, according to a recent video released by the Russian Defense Ministry.
Kamov Ka-52 Alligator Show of Force
The recording shows the effectiveness of the helicopter in field operations, where it managed to neutralize two Ukrainian armored vehicles. This fact reaffirms the Alligator’s reputation as one of Russia’s leading tank killers.
The images, captured by the helicopter’s advanced electro-optical system, show the exact instant the tanks are destroyed. Anti-tank shells, launched from the helicopter, hit tanks located in the Donetsk region.
This action is part of the intense Ukrainian counteroffensive, which has led to the loss of numerous German-made Leopard tanks and American infantry fighting vehicles.
The Alligator, a state-of-the-art military machine
The Alligator is not just a combat helicopter. It is an advanced military machine that has recently been upgraded. The heavily modernized “M” variant was delivered by the Russian Army earlier this year, increasing its operational capability.
In addition to hardware upgrades, the Alligator’s deployment tactics have also undergone a notable change. The helicopter now operates in the company of a Mi-8 MTPR-1, an electronic warfare helicopter. This pair acts jointly, following an “intercept and hunt” strategy for Ukrainian ground targets.
Recently, the Ka-52’s clever use of its Vitebsk-25 EW system was highlighted. This system, mounted on the outside of the helicopter, was used to jam and deflect Ukrainian shoulder-fired MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defense) missiles.
The impact of missiles on tanks
Images captured by the Ka-52 show two tanks parked side by side in an open field. A first missile hits one of them, quickly followed by a second that hits the remaining armored vehicles. Both detonations are similar, lighting up the battlefield, but the identity of the tanks remains uncertain.
What is particular is the absence of a secondary explosion, common in situations where the vehicle is not totally destroyed. Likewise, no crew is observed fleeing the vehicles. This fact suggests that the tanks could have been abandoned.
Russian Ka-52 helicopter shows the ability to neutralize tanks in less than half a minute.
A recent incident has shown the lethal capacity of the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator, a Russian attack aircraft, by destroying two Ukrainian tanks in an interval of 24 seconds in the southern region of Donetsk.
Ka-52 Alligator: Air Tank Destroyer
The Ka-52 Alligator, a Russian attack helicopter, has shown its battle prowess by neutralizing two Ukrainian tanks. The operation was recorded in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry, which captured the moment of impact on both targets, thanks to the helicopter’s electro-optical system.
As part of the intense Ukrainian actions, the battlefield has witnessed the downing of several German Leopard tanks and American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Despite strong Ukrainian resistance, Russian troops remain ready to face several more months of conflict.
The Alligator, a powerful Russian military machine, received a significant upgrade recently, improving its combat capabilities. In addition to hardware upgrades, the Alligator’s deployment strategies have also advanced, now patrolling the Ukrainian skies in the company of a Mi-8 MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter.
Combat effectiveness and endurance of Ukrainian tanks
A recent report revealed the effectiveness of the Ka-52’s Vitebsk-25 EW system, which was used to deflect Ukrainian MANPAD missiles fired from the ground. The video showed two Ukrainian tanks in an open field, visible thanks to the helicopter’s thermal imaging system.
The video documented the launch of two missiles, each hitting its target in 12 seconds. Both tanks were hit, and the explosion lighted up the scene, although no desperate flight of the crew or secondary explosions were observed.
This behavior hints that these tanks might have been abandoned. According to information from the Russian Defense Ministry, the tanks were launching attacks on Russian military positions using guided missiles, and the enemy equipment and the crews were successfully neutralized.
The Alligator: the cutting edge of aerial combat technology
There is speculation that the Alligator shown in the video could be the Ka-52M variant, which began to be integrated into the Russian forces in January. This aircraft represents a strategic advantage for Russia in the event of a confrontation with Western armored vehicles.
The Alligator is just one piece in the vast Russian arsenal, which features a wide variety of weapons and technologies designed to counter a wide range of threats. In addition to its anti-tank capabilities, the Ka-52M has also proven highly effective in reconnaissance, helicopter escort, and suppression of enemy air defenses.
Weapons and Technologies of the Ka-52 Alligator
The Alligator is equipped with a variety of weapons that allow it to perform a wide range of missions. Among its arsenal is the S-8 unguided rocket launcher, which can fire a variety of munitions, including fragmentation, thermobaric, and anti-tank warheads. It is also equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon and can carry “Vikhr” anti-tank guided missiles capable of penetrating the armor of most modern tanks.
The Alligator also features a suite of advanced technologies that enhance its combat performance. These include an automatic flight system that allows the helicopter to perform evasive maneuvers and an electro-optical detection and tracking system that provides precision reconnaissance and attack capabilities. Also, the Ka-52 is equipped with the Vitebsk-25 EW system, which can deflect enemy missiles.
Impact on the Conflict
The recent demonstration of the Ka-52’s ability to neutralize tanks in less than half a minute highlights its potential threat to the Ukrainian armed forces. Despite strong Ukrainian defenses, the effectiveness of the Ka-52 on the battlefield could significantly impact the course of the conflict.
In addition, the Ka-52’s ability to operate in conjunction with the Mi-8 MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter allows Russian forces a tactical advantage, increasing the Alligator’s survivability on the battlefield and improving its effectiveness against defenses against enemy air.