Kanal13

Russian Ka-52 failed to shoot down Ukrainian FP-1 drone with a missile; fierce battle in the sky

Duration: 2:58 424 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

A recent video has emerged showing a Russian Ka-52 helicopter attempting to intercept a Ukrainian FP-1 kamikaze attack drone, highlighting a critical failure in its defensive capabilities. The footage reveals that the helicopter crew initially relied on air-to-air missiles, specifically identifying an Igla-V missile as the weapon used in this attempt. This incident underscores a shift in Russian tactics, as they are now utilizing not only their standard cannons but also existing missile armaments to counter drone threats. However, the engagement ended unsuccessfully because the missile missed its target, demonstrating that current infrared-guided systems are struggling against modern UAVs. The core issue identified by analysts is the inherent weakness of infrared seekers when facing targets like the FP-1 that generate very little heat. While these missiles are effective against aircraft, helicopters, and jet-powered drones, they often fail to lock onto long-range Ukrainian UAVs which lack significant thermal signatures. Consequently, the Ka-52 was forced to revert to using its cannon armament to finally neutralize the threat, a process that requires significantly more time and effort than a successful missile strike would allow. This tactical regression suggests that relying on legacy Soviet-era MANPADS technology is becoming increasingly inefficient in the evolving aerial warfare landscape. In response to these challenges, Russian defense experts have noted a return to the Vikhr air-to-air missile, specifically the 8GM modification equipped with a proximity fuse and semi-active laser guidance. Unlike infrared seekers, the laser-guided system allows the helicopter crew to actively guide the missile toward the target, thereby increasing the probability of successfully downing low-heat drones like the FP-1. The British LMM drone operates on a similar principle, indicating that this type of guided weaponry is becoming essential for countering modern kamikaze threats. Although the Russian industry has announced the combat deployment of this new missile version, it remains difficult to confirm if the specific helicopter in the video was actually equipped with or successfully used this upgraded system. Ultimately, the incident illustrates a complex transition period where Russian forces are balancing the availability of existing stockpiles against the need for new manufacturing capabilities. The use of the Igla-V or Igla-S can be attributed to the fact that these weapons are already present in their arsenal, whereas deploying the newer Vikhr modification requires production time and logistical adjustments. While the video suggests the crew attempted to use an Igla missile based on its signature and behavior, the failure highlights the urgent need for Russia to fully integrate laser-guided solutions into their inventory to maintain air superiority against persistent drone swarms.

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A video has surfaced online of a Russian Ka-52 helicopter attempting to intercept a Ukrainian FP-1 kamikaze attack drone. According to Defense Express, what's interesting about this is the attempt to use an air-to-air missile, which missed and failed to shoot down the UAV. That is, we see that the occupiers attack helicopters are using not only cannons, as they have been doing since 2023, but also their existing missile armament to counter drones. It's also clear that the latter is quite complex, the experts analyze. It is noted that the video caption identifies the missile as an Igla-V, which is an air-launched version of the Soviet Russian Igla MANPADS. However, the Ka-52M can also use the newer Igla-S thanks to the Strelets system. In general, missiles of this family use an infrared seeker capable of targeting aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and jet-powered [music] drones. However, they may have problems with targets that generate little heat, which include many Ukrainian long-range UAVs, including the FP-1, the analysts note. Thus, the video demonstrates the weakness of infrared seekers against the attack UAV threat in action. As a result, the helicopter was forced to continue attempting to intercept the target with cannon armament, which requires more effort and time. Defense Express noted that the Russians have now returned to the Vikhr air-to-air 8-GM, a modification with a proximity fuse. It features semi-active laser guidance, which allows the helicopter crew to guide the missile to its target, increasing the chances of downing UAVs like the FP-1. On the Ukrainian side, >> [music] >> the British LMM operates on a similar principle. The Russian defense industry has already announced the combat use of the new version of the Vikhr, but it's difficult to say whether it was actually captured on video, although it's possible. The signature and behavior of the missile suggest that this particular Ka-52 was attempting to use the Igla, the article notes. According to experts, the use of the Igla-V or Igla-S [music] can be explained by the fact that they are already in the arsenal of the Russian invaders. Whereas a new modification of the Vikhr missile needs to be manufactured. Here we can mention that now the Russians have returned to 8K GM in the air-to-air modification with a non-contact fuse. It has semi-active laser path guidance, thanks to which the helicopter crew itself guides the missile to the target, thereby increasing the chances of shooting down such drones as the FP-1. On the Ukrainian side, the British LMM works on this principle.