Putin's 'Alligator choppers' targeted in missile strike in Crimea

Explosions lit up the sky above a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, where Vladimir Putin reportedly stores his ‘Alligator’ helicopters.

Footage circulating on Telegram showed a ball of flames in the town of Dzhankoi just moments before an air-raid warning was issued overnight.

The inferno, nearby the airfield – a key logistics hub in the north of the peninsula, was raging for hours.

It is used by Russia forces to launch strikes on Ukrainian battalions, and to repel landings by the special services.

A video showing the massive explosion, followed by a fire, indicates ammunition stores and fuel may have been hit.

Residents of Dzhankoi later signalled new explosions. No casualties have yet been reported.

According to an online aviation database, Putin’s 39th helicopter regiment of the 27th mixed aviation division is stationed there.

The regiment reportedly flies several attack helicopters, including the Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter, the Mi-8, Mi-28N, and the Mi-35M.

Explosions were reported in the early hours of this morning (Picture: e2w)

There was no initial official response from Russian-installed officials in the region that has been under occupation since 2014.

A key highway was closed in the aftermath of the attack. Ukraine is yet to make an official statement if its forces are behind it.

Pro-war Telegram channels told followers: ‘Around 4am the enemy struck Crimea near the military airfield at Dzhankoi in the north of the peninsula.

‌’Some videos circulating online show signs of secondary detonation and fire.

‘There are rumours among soldiers about an ATACMS missile strike. The circumstances are being investigated.’

What we know about ‘Putin’s Vulture’

The Russian attack helicopter Ka-52 Alligator (Picture: Getty)

Russia’s Ka-52 attack helicopter have been a thorn in Ukraine’s eyes, inflicting heavy costs on its forces since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Emblematic of the country’s post-Cold War fighting ability, it is Putin’s attack helicopter.

Its max speed is 186mph, while its operational range is 684 miles.

The Ka-52 is built as an armed reconnaissance and combat platform able to take on the roles of assault, convoy protection and armed patrolling.

As far as weapons go, the helicopter can be equipped with just about any munitions the mission requires.

That includes unguided S-8 rockets, of which it can carry up to 80.

Or, it can be fitted with air-to-air missiles for taking out other helicopters or low-flying fixed wing aircraft.

Additionally, anti-tank guided missiles can be mounted under the Ka-52’s ‘wings’.

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