Could Canadian missiles have shot down Russian helicopters in June? A Ukrainian publication raises the issue after Canada supplied anti-aircraft missiles a few weeks earlier.
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On May 23, Canada’s Defense Ministry announced it had shipped 43 AIM-9 missiles — better known as Sidewinders — to Ukraine from reserves in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“It is perhaps no coincidence that Moscow’s top attack helicopter has suffered severe shelling in recent days, a month after Canada sent a very good missile to Ukraine, the Kyiv Post wrote on June 20.”
The media lists five Kamov Ka-52 Alligator helicopters shot down between June 16-19.
He points out that the Ukrainian army never confirms how enemy targets are disabled.
capacity confirmed
Rémi Landry, a retired lieutenant colonel and associate researcher at Sherbrooke University, says Canadian missile successes are “plausible”.
“The Sidewinder entered service in 1956 but has since been upgraded and upgraded with electronic equipment,” says Mr. Landry.
“It’s an air-to-air missile held by the Canadian Forces to equip the CF-18,” he adds. It can therefore be used on Soviet-era (Ukrainian Army) aircraft, but it can also be fired from a ship or a stationary launcher.”
According to the Kyiv Post, the Ukrainian army could use a fixed launcher called NASAMS for the Sidewinder. Canada bought one from the United States to donate to Ukraine.
“This missile is designed exactly for targets like these Russian helicopters,” said Alan Stephenson, who rose to colonel and flew CF-18s during his time at Cold Lake and Bagotville.
function
Once the pilot or gunner has set his aim correctly, the missile follows the movements of the enemy plane thanks to an infrared guidance system.
“The sensor records the heat from the engines. The rocket contains 20 pounds of explosives and travels at twice the speed of sound (2450 km/h). Its range is 35 km. It’s very effective against a helicopter that also has a lot of explosives in it,” said Mr. Landry.
For comparison: the top speed of the Ka-52 is only 315 km/h.
“The guidance system has been improved. It can attack any device that exhibits a significant heat signature. It is a launch-and-leave missile (fire and forget or autonomous). After takeoff, the pilot can proceed with another operation,” says Mr. Stephenson.
Protection
There are countermeasures for this type of missile.
“Canadian Hercules aircraft have deployed screens [de pièces] Metal in Afghanistan to create distraction. But in Ukraine, we are also seeing Russia using low-cost Iranian drones as targets,” says Mr. Landry.
According to the Kyiv Post, a Ka-52 is worth about $21 million, according to Landry, compared to $400,000 for the Sidewinder.
A Kamov Ka-52 Alligator helicopter taking part in a military competition in Russia in 2019. Archive photo, AFP
Therefore, each helicopter shot down by a Sidewinder causes 50 times more financial losses on the Russian side, the economic aspect being an important lever to make the invader bend.
According to several internet sources, before the invasion began, Russia had around 200 Ka-52 helicopters.
Substitute
Would Canada be able to send more Sidewinders to Ukraine?
“It’s a rocket that’s being produced all the time. However, with no apparent danger before 2022, production had declined. It’s gone up now,” emphasizes Mr. Landry.
“There is a continuous program for rockets, sometimes because there is an update, sometimes to replace them. This is an ongoing logistical problem for the Canadian Forces. There are also plans to equip future F-35s with newer and more advanced missiles,” adds Stephenson.
He is convinced that Canada has by no means exhausted its strategic reserve and that the country’s security was not endangered by this donation.
However, he adds that the missiles have a limited lifespan, possibly ten years, particularly due to the fuel used.
He suspects Canada may have donated missiles it had to replace anyway.
other delivery
In June, Canada announced that it would transfer 288 AIM-7 Sparrow missiles to Ukraine after they were modified in the US for use in air defense systems.
“It’s a radar-guided missile that was standard equipment on the CF-18. It has a longer range (70 km), is faster (Mach 4 or almost 5000 km/h) and more powerful (up to 88 pounds of explosives). He can shoot down a hunter. It would certainly also be possible to modify the Ukrainian MIG-29s to use them,” concludes Alan Stephenson.
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