A video surfaced on December 16 showing a Ka-52 attack helicopter escorting a Russian IL-76 heavy transport aircraft during ‘evacuation’ from Khmeimim Air Base in Syria.
The helicopter was likely positioned to protect the transport aircraft from threats such as surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS or MPADS), or drone attacks, which have become a growing concern for Russian forces operating in the region.
The Ka-52 Alligator, a modern attack helicopter designed for close air support, is equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems, which makes it a good choice for providing protection during such high-risk airlifts.
Russia’s ongoing airlift operations from Khmeimim Air Base come amid a larger strategic withdrawal of military forces from Syria as Moscow continues to reduce its footprint following the shifting dynamics of the Syrian conflict.
The protection of transport aircraft, crucial for moving personnel and vital military equipment, would be a top priority as Russian forces aim to secure their exit while minimizing risks to their aircraft and personnel.
Sunday at Khmeimim Air Base as Russia continues airlifting troops and equipment from Syria, with Ka-52 attack helicopter escorting an Il-76 militar transport aircraft during takeoff.
Source: @Vcernohorsky pic.twitter.com/3r36Hrbz0E
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 16, 2024
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has released a satellite image revealing that a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter is being dismantled, likely in preparation for transport. The image also shows elements of an S-400 air defense system being readied for departure from its previous deployment site at the airbase.
US officials have described Russia’s ongoing withdrawal from Syria as a significant and large-scale operation, which began last week. However, they have pointed out that it is still uncertain whether this pullback will be permanent.
According to US and Western intelligence reports, Russian officials are assessing whether Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary rebel group now in control of Syria, might be open to negotiations that could allow Russia to retain its key military installations. These include the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia and the port at Tartus.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged in a press briefing last week that Russia is maintaining dialogue with the rebels in Damascus.
“There are no final decisions on this,” Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “We are in contact with representatives of the forces that now control the situation in the country.”
The two US officials indicated that Russia has begun relocating some of its naval assets from Syria to Libya.
In addition, a separate defense official revealed that Moscow has been putting increasing pressure on Libyan National Army leader Khalifa Haftar to secure a port in Benghazi, which would strengthen Russia’s strategic position.
Losing access to a Mediterranean port would impair Russia’s ability to project power along NATO’s southern flank and in Africa.
Tactical Use Of Attack Helicopters In Conflict Zones
The use of attack helicopters to escort transport aircraft, as seen in the recent video of a Russian Ka-52 accompanying an IL-76 from Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, is a tactical measure rooted in the need to augment security in hostile airspaces.
This type of escort has been a critical component of military airlift operations in conflict zones for decades, as exemplified by similar tactics used during the Soviet and later NATO operations in Afghanistan.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, also highlighted that attack helicopters are also employed as protective escorts for transport helicopters or to support lighter helicopters in armed reconnaissance missions.
Transport aircraft are important for moving troops, supplies, and heavy equipment, often behind enemy lines or in contested regions. However, these aircraft are vulnerable to various threats.
Their large size and relatively slow speed make them prime targets for adversaries with access to anti-aircraft weapons. In such environments, protecting these aircraft becomes crucial to ensure the mission’s success and prevent major losses.
Meanwhile, many internet users have drawn parallels between the video of a Russian attack helicopter escorting a transport aircraft in Syria and the scenes of US forces withdrawing from Afghanistan.
During the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which culminated in the evacuation of over 120,000 people from Kabul, US military helicopters were critical in providing security for airlift operations.
Recognizing the vulnerabilities of transport aircraft like the C-17 and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, the US military employed Apache AH-64 attack helicopters to protect these vital assets.
The Apaches were tasked with establishing a security perimeter around evacuation flights at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport to neutralize any threats, such as Taliban forces armed with small arms, anti-aircraft weapons, or rockets.
One particularly intense video from the US withdrawal from Afghanistan captured unbelievable scenes on Kabul’s runway. A pair of US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were seen clearing panicked and desperate crowds from the tarmac to make way for a massive C-17 transport aircraft to take off.
In addition to their combat role, these helicopters provided an extra layer of deterrence. The sight of highly capable attack helicopters hovering around evacuation flights sends a clear message to adversaries: any attack on the transport aircraft would be met with quick retaliation.
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