Russian Ka-52 helicopter crew returns to Russia from Syria

A Russian transport aircraft brought the crew of a Kamov Ka-52 Aligator helicopter to a Russian military airfield after they accomplished their missions in Syria, the Russian defense ministry reported on Thursday.

"On Wednesday, the helicopter was prepared for transportation and loaded into an Ilyushin Il-76 military transport plane at the Hmeymim airfield," the ministry said. "By now, the pilots and the helicopter have returned to their home base in Russia."

According to the ministry, the crews continue to return from Syria. Fifteen aircraft, aircraft maintenance personnel and medics have already returned to Russia.