Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces have shot down a Russian helicopter using a long-range drone for the first time, in a strike carried out near Kuteynikovo in the Rostov region. The target was an Mi-8 sent to intercept Ukrainian drones. According to the SOF, the mission required technical modifications and detailed planning, marking a shift in the dynamics of this type of aerial engagement. Footage released by the military shows that an FP-1 drone in FPV configuration was responsible for hitting the helicopter, while another FP-1 monitored the destruction to confirm the impact. Russia has used attack helicopters to hunt Ukrainian drones for years, with previous episodes showing Mi-28s attempting to shoot down UAVs—or even crashing during these missions, some incidents attributed to technical failures or collisions with drones. Although there have been previous cases of helicopters being damaged by kamikaze drones, this is the first time a strike has been carried out mid-flight using a long-range UAV. Ukraine also employs helicopters to counter Russian drones, particularly Mi-8s and Mi-24s, which are capable of intercepting up to 40% of targets depending on weather conditions. Source: Militarnyi | Images: X @DenShtilierman
Be the first to comment