Russian artillery launches missiles during military exercises on September 27, 2011 in Chebarkul, Chelyabinks region, Russia.
AdvertisementAdvertisementRussian artillery gunners have played a crucial role in destroying or pinning down Ukrainian units seeking to advance through Russian defenses.
AdvertisementAdvertisementDubbed "Putin's vultures" by Ukraine's military, the Ka-52 is highly maneuverable, fitted with tough armor, and can fire tank-busting missiles.
The UK's military said that the helicopters give Russia a key battlefield advantage, and have imposed a "heavy cost" on Ukraine.
"Ka-52 crews have been quick to exploit opportunities to launch these weapons beyond the range of Ukrainian air defenses," Britain's Ministry of Defence said.
Persons:
Gian Gentile, Rand, Sasha Mordovets, Gentile, DJI, SERGEI SUPINSKY, Matt Dimmick, Kamov, Leonid Faerberg, Ukraine's
Organizations:
Service, US Army, Getty, US National Security Council, of, NGO, BBC . Russian Air Force, Ministry of Defence
Locations:
Russia, Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Ukrainian, Russian, Chebarkul, Chelyabinks, Kyiv, AFP