Video from the cockpit of a Ka-52 shows an attack helicopter being utilized as an extremely potent defense system for Russian forces. The pilot is engaging at around the maximum effective range of his platform's Vikhr ATGMs which have a maximum effective range of of 10-12 kilometers.

From this footage, it's difficult to tell what the attack helicopter is targeting specifically. They appear to be armored vehicles, but I cannot discern what the actual target is from this viewpoint. The footage was recorded near Orikhiv in the Zaporizhia region of Ukraine.

The reason this is effective is because the Ukrainian forces are unable to control the skies behind Russian lines, and these aircraft are able to engage targets before the Ukrainians are able to even start attacking front-line Russian positions.

About the Author

Josh Brooks

Josh is an American writer and former USMC machine gunner with eight years of experience in ground combat arms throughout the GWOT. He is currently based in Texas and specializes in combat footage analysis and digital marketing.Follow Josh at OfficialJoshBrooks.com