Ukraine’s Intelligence: two Ka-52 helicopters damaged on air base in Russia’s Pskov region

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Telegram channel Baza have reported several Ka-52 helicopters getting damaged on an air base in the Pskov region of Russia.

According to Ukraine’s Intelligence, two Ka-52 helicopters were destroyed in the night, while another two were severely damaged following a powerful explosion on the Russian Naval Aviation air base Ostrov. “The details on destruction of other equipment and personnel are being determined. The personnel of the military unit were put on alert, investigative activities are being conducted in the unit with the goal of dealing with the aftermath of the explosion and also to search for sabotage groups,” the message reads.

The agency notes that Ka-52 Alligator (NATO reporting name: Hokum B) is a reconnaissance and attack helicopter made in Russia; its cost is estimated at $16mln.

According to Telegram channel Baza, two Ka-52 helicopters were damaged during the explosion on the territory of the military air base in the Pskov region, located not far away from the Russian-Latvian border. The cause for the explosion is unknown.

“The helicopters were unsuitable for use — they were undergoing repairs. Around 10PM, the unit’s servicemen heard several blasts and then saw the scattered fragments of the two helicopters. The explosion was so powerful that pieces of the fuselage ended up 200 metres away,” Baza’s message reads.