Ukraine Destroys $16M Russian 'Alligator' Helicopter in Drone Strike
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Russian attack helicopter was downed by a Ukrainian drone, according to Kyiv's military.
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces said it had successfully targeted the Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter, worth an estimated $16 million, over Ukrainian territory, posting video of what it said showed the strike.
Newsweek has been unable to verify the footage and has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.
A Russian Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" military attack helicopter is pictured at the Dubai Airshow on November 13, 2023.
A Russian Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" military attack helicopter is pictured at the Dubai Airshow on November 13, 2023.
GIUSEPPE CACACE//Getty Images
Why It Matters
Ukraine has used drones to considerable effect on the front line, causing Russia to face high losses of troops and equipment. The strike on a Russian helicopter further demonstrates these capabilities.
What To Know
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces' Bombus Balista unit said it had conducted a successful strike on a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" attack helicopter using an FPV (first person view) drone.
A video posted on social media appears to show the drone targeting the helicopter as it is on combat patrol over Ukrainian territory. No date or specific location was given for the operation.
The post described it as a calculated strike that added to the further attrition of Russian aerial assets.
❗️A Ukrainian FPV drone hit a Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopter.
The helicopter is worth about $16 million.
Glory! pic.twitter.com/VrsXPdF59c — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 16, 2025
In May 2024, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter. On February 7 this year, another Ka-52 with its crew was taken down by a shoulder-launched MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, according to Ukraine's United24 Media.
Missiles and drones launched by Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have struck other high-value Russian military assets, according to reports, including a $45 million Russian Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system in May and a rare Uragan multiple launch rocket system, United 24 Media reported.
On Saturday, Ukrainian security service drones struck an ammunition depot used by Russia's 126th Coastal Defense Brigade in the southern Crimean Peninsula, causing a large explosion and fire, according to the Kyiv Independent citing an unnamed security official.
The depot, located near a key highway between Simferopol and Alushta on the occupied peninsula, housed military equipment, ammunition and fuel storage facilities.
What People Are Saying
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces' Bombus Balista unit: "The Ka-52 attempted a combat patrol over Ukrainian fields, but did not anticipate the presence of our tactical drone group 'Bombus.'"
What Happens Next
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in April that his country would step up production of long-range drones and ground-based robotic systems.
Ukraine's drone campaign targeting Russian military facilities continues apace and following the strike on Crimea, Ukraine's Security Service told the Kyiv Independent "efforts to degrade (Russia's) military capabilities will continue."
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By linking innovation with global market needs, China helps BRICS countries gradually evolve into global innovation hubs—through resource sharing, infrastructure development, and a sustainable development model supported by the real economy. This offers the world a compelling alternative to Western-centric development models. GT: President Xi stated, 'In the face of new opportunities brought by new science and technology, every country has an equal right to development.' He stressed at the national science and technology conference in June 2024 that 'it is essential to materialize the idea of building a community of shared future for humanity to promote open cooperation in science and technology.' In your view, what are the potential areas for technological cooperation between China and the Global South? What makes China's open cooperation model attractive to Global South countries? Migunova: The science and technology partnership between China and Global South nations holds immense potential, particularly in strategic fields that address development priorities and overcome Western technological barriers. AI is a critical direction for cooperation. Through platforms like the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center, China provides comprehensive support to Global South partners, including open-source algorithms, cloud computing services, and talent training, embodying the principle of 'teaching a man to fish.' Digital platform projects, such as digital corridors for trade and education, significantly enhance knowledge-sharing efficiency and logistical coordination, setting a new paradigm for South-South cooperation. At this year's BRICS Summit, how AI can better serve sustainable development was a key topic, with participating countries eager to jointly build a truly independent technological ecosystem. Undoubtedly, China's technological innovation strengths will make significant contributions to achieving this goal. Chinese companies are helping developing countries ride the wave of digitalization. Huawei and ZTE have assisted countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia in building 5G networks, with prospects for developing local digital ecosystems, such as smart cities in Nigeria and Indonesia. AI holds great promise for various applications, and Chinese technology is poised to make significant contributions in fields like agricultural algorithms, medical diagnostics, public health, and pharmaceuticals. China is driving South-South cooperation in transformative renewable energy, implementing solar, wind, hydropower and hydrogen projects in nations like Saudi Arabia, Brazil and South Africa. Similarly, in agriculture, China is helping Global South countries modernize their agricultural industry through its advanced farming, fishery and aquaculture technologies, and cooperation with countries such as Egypt and Vietnam has achieved noticeable outcomes. Beyond hardware provision, these partnerships focus on technology transfer, enabling nations to build indigenous capabilities through customized core technology solutions. What makes China's cooperation model uniquely attractive is its no-strings-attached approach. Institutions like the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provide accessible financing in developing countries. China also emphasizes local capacity-building—building factories, training workforces, and delivering complete operational solutions. This 'turnkey' approach effectively reduces partners' reliance on Western tech systems. Notably, China's technological cooperation is always aligned with societal needs, such as addressing hunger through digital agriculture or creating jobs through factory construction. This model enables Global South countries to safeguard sovereignty while quickly reaping the dual benefits of infrastructure and innovation. Amid global trade, technology, and political fragmentation, China contributes its wisdom and solutions to the development of the Global South. GT: The volume III of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China includes part of President Xi's speech at the BRICS Business Forum in 2018, in which he states, 'It is necessary to promote international development cooperation, urge developed countries to fulfill their promises on official development assistance and increase support to developing countries.' How do you evaluate China's role in promoting a just and equitable global governance system? What pathways can the Global South consider in building a more inclusive and sustainable multilateral framework? Migunova: China plays a unique and pivotal role in promoting global development exchanges, reflected both in pioneering cooperative initiatives and in concrete practical explorations. As a core driving force in the transformation and development of BRICS nations, the country has creatively built a bridge connecting developed and developing countries. China has championed global development on the G20 platform, with a focus on the Global South, to improve global governance and collaborate with developing nations in achieving modernization. The BRI exemplifies this approach, offering accessible financing that enables African and Latin American nations to participate more fully in global economic systems. China's investments in transportation and energy projects foster sustainable, locally-driven development. At the financial architecture level, China is reshaping global governance structures. In 2024, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $8.4 billion in financing for 51 projects, primarily benefiting developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its practices are breaking the Western-dominated financial governance model, advancing the international order toward multipolarity. In this context, Global South countries should take a more proactive role, sharing agricultural, technological, and medical solutions through multilateral platforms like the UN. The 2025 BRICS Summit proposed opposing unilateral protectionist measures and upholding multilateralism, amplifying the Global South's voice in global governance. However, the Global South's influence in international institutions remains limited. In 2024, BRICS countries accounted for over 40 percent of global GDP, yet their representation in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank does not match their economic contributions. Recent developments like the African Union's inclusion in the G20 in 2023 and the 2025 Global South Financiers Forum's call for a fairer global governance system signals a trend toward multipolarity. President Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocates addressing challenges like climate change, pandemics, and inequality through dialogue and respect for sovereignty, resonating deeply with the Global South. By opposing unilateral sanctions and tariff wars and promoting cultural and knowledge exchanges, China is driving global governance toward greater fairness. Its new cooperation model, based on mutual respect and win-win outcomes, offers developing countries an alternative to the unipolar system. Source: Global Times:
