Helicopter - Ka-52 at work in Syria - AIN Alerts

Russian Kamov Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ Sees Combat Debut in Syria

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. VKS Mi-28s were filmed flying combat missions in Syria when they participated in the battle of Palmyra, which was recaptured from the Islamic State on March 27. President Bashar Assad’s Syrian Arab Army released videos showing Mi-28s shelling Islamic State positions with 80mm S-8 unguided rockets.