Operation by Ukraine’s 59th Assault Brigade shows vulnerability of Russian helicopters against small armed drones.
On the morning of September 29, 2025, an FPV drone from Ukraine’s 59th Separate Assault Brigade shot down a Russian Armed Forces Mi-8 transport helicopter. The attack occurred as the aircraft was flying at low altitude, alongside a Ka-52, in an attempt to avoid Ukrainian air defense systems.
The operation was carried out by the 1st “High Predators” Unmanned Aerial Systems Battalion, supported by reconnaissance drones that adjusted the strike trajectory.
According to Russian Telegram channels, the helicopter was hit and forced into an emergency landing, with the pilots evacuated from the area. The confirmation reinforced the impact of the strike, widely shared across both Ukrainian and Russian military platforms.
The incident highlights the growing effectiveness of FPV drones against combat aircraft, particularly at low altitude. First-person control allows operators to execute precise maneuvers and target vulnerable components such as engines and rotors.
Similar cases have been recorded in other conflicts. In Myanmar, rebels reported using drones to strike a Mi-17 helicopter, reinforcing the global trend of employing unmanned systems in attacks against air assets.
Sources and images: Telegram / kvbarmy | Telegram / ZOV_Voevoda
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