Rotorcraft
Russian Kamov Ka-52 'Alligator' Sees Combat Debut in Syria
Russia started using both the Ka-52 and the Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters in its campaign to bolster the Syrian Arab Army.
The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is shown during the MAKS 2015 air show outside of Moscow. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is shown during the MAKS 2015 air show outside of Moscow. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

The expeditionary group of Russia’s Air and Space Force (VKS, formerly the Russian air force) started using two new types of attack rotorcraft—the Mil Mi-28 “Night Hunter” and Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator”—in Syria. Previously, the service relied on two less capable, older types: the Mi-8 utility and Mi-24 assault helicopters. One Mi-8 was lost during a rescue operation in November to save the crew of a Sukhoi Su-24M bomber downed by a Turkish air force F-16C.


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