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Ukrainian Deep-Strike Destroys Russian Ka-27 “Helix” in Temporary Occupied Crimea
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Ka-27 naval helicopter near the village of Kamyshly in occupied Crimea, Ukraine’s General Staff said on February 17.
“A hit on the target has been recorded,” the statement noted.
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The General Staff also reported that on February 16, Ukrainian Armed Forces struck three Russian drone command posts located:
near Huliaipole in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region;
near Anatoliivka in Russia’s Kursk region;
near Zatyshshia, the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
The scale of damage and potential Russian losses are still being clarified.
The Kamov Ka-27—known by NATO as the “Helix”—is a military helicopter originally developed for the Soviet Navy for anti-submarine warfare and maritime support missions.
Design work began in 1969, the prototype first flew in 1973, and the aircraft officially entered service in 1981.
Like other Kamov designs, the Ka-27 uses coaxial rotors, eliminating the need for a tail rotor and allowing compact shipboard operation.
Typical crews consist of three personnel, including a pilot, navigator, and sonar operator.
Russia continues to employ Ka-27 variants for maritime patrol, search-and-rescue missions, and anti-submarine operations, including efforts to counter Ukrainian naval drones.
Depending on configuration, the helicopter can carry torpedoes, depth charges, or up to 36 sonobuoys, supported by onboard sonar, magnetic anomaly detection, and hydroacoustic sensors designed to locate submarines.
Search-and-rescue variants may also include cargo space, rescue seating, stretchers, and lifting winches for recovery missions.
Earlier, analysts assessed the current production number of Mi-8 multi-role helicopters for the Russian Ministry of Defense. The study notes that over 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters were produced in various configurations during the Soviet era, including export versions. Today, production is concentrated at two factories—Kazan Helicopter Plant and Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant—both of which are part of the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec.
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
