MOSCOW, January 2. /TASS/. The crews of the Ka-52 attack helicopters of the Russian Aerospace Forces hit enemy strongholds and manpower of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Krasny Liman direction from as close as possible, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"The strike group of aviation of the Aerospace Forces hit enemy strongholds and manpower in the Krasny Liman direction. The strike was carried out by S-8 unguided aircraft missiles from as close as possible. The strike group included several reconnaissance and attack helicopters Ka-52," the ministry said.

Ka-52 helicopter (Hokum-B by NATO classification) is designed to destroy tanks, armored and unarmored combat hardware, troops, helicopters and other flying craft in any weather day and night. The crew comprises two men sitting next to each other. Ka-52 fires unguided, precision and guided antitank missiles. It is armed with a 30mm gun. The helicopter can operate in hot climate, highlands and the Arctic. It develops a speed of 300 km/h. The payload is 2.5 tons and the range is 460 km. The maximum ceiling is 5500 meters and the cruising speed is 260 km/h. It fires Shturm-VU antitank complexes with laser-guided Ataka missiles and guided Vikhr missiles.