Footage shows the firing of a Swedish RBS-70 man portable air defense system (MANPADS) against an alleged Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" attack helicopter in the vicinity of Robotyne on Aug. 17, 2023. This is one of two Ka-52 aircraft reportedly shot down today. The other claimed destruction of a Ka-52 was on the Bakhmut front.

A screenshot from an as-of-yet not released drone video shows a burning pile of wreckage, suggesting their will be more conclusive footage of this event released at a later date.

#Ukraine: A Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter was shot down today by the Ukrainian army in the vicinity of Robotyne, #Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

As claimed by Russian sources, only one of the crewmembers managed to survive. pic.twitter.com/d3TGTQH1wU

— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) August 17, 2023

Russia has reportedly lost approximately 40 Ka-52 helicopters in Ukraine since 2022. Online reports indicate they probably have around 90 left in service. The Ka-52 has been especially hindering to the Ukrainian counteroffensive as the aircraft can fire accurate guided missiles at approaching Ukrainian vehicles and dip back below radar after engaging.

About the Author

Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter