Russian air defense forces accidentally shot down one of their own Ka-52 helicopters, worth $16 million
A Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter was shot down by its own air defense forces during an operation against drones.
According to preliminary reports, the helicopter’s crew was on a mission to destroy Ukrainian drones but came under fire from a Russian mobile air defense unit, which was also attempting to detect aerial targets. The lost Ka-52 is estimated to be worth approximately $16 million.
According to the publication, the incident occurred during the repulsion of an attack by Ukrainian AN-196 “Lyuty” and Fire Point FP-1 strike drones. These drones fly at low altitudes and at speeds of less than 120 miles per hour (about 190 km/h), which allows them to evade Russian anti-aircraft missile systems, but at the same time makes them potential targets for helicopters and mobile fire teams.
Forbes notes that Russia, following Ukraine’s example, has begun actively using attack helicopters to combat slow-flying drones. Ka-52 helicopters have been equipped with special airburst munitions designed specifically to take down drones.
At the same time, the publication reports, mobile air defense units are also patrolling areas where Ukrainian drones might fly. According to Forbes, the BARS unit that shot down the helicopter used the 9K333 “Verba” man-portable air defense system.
The author notes that Russian mobile fire teams receive low salaries, so fighters, eager to earn a bonus, may be quick to open fire.
“Poorly paid Russian mobile fire teams are eager to claim credit for shooting down targets, which leads to such costly mistakes.”
According to Forbes, both crew members of the Ka-52 ejected. One of them died due to a malfunction in the ejection system; the other was successfully evacuated.
The author estimates that Russia lost an attack helicopter worth about $16 million, a missile with an estimated value of $170,000, and one crew member. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian drone they were trying to intercept continued its flight.
The publication also notes that this is not the first such incident. According to its data, since the start of the full-scale war, Russian air defense forces have already shot down at least seven of their own helicopters, including several during attempts to intercept Ukrainian drones.
Forbes reports on this.
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