On Saturday, August 30, Ukrainian drones targeted Simferopol in russian-occupied Crimea. Two russian helicopters were destroyed at the local airport. The damage is confirmed by satellite imagery published by the AviaVector community.
According to the satellite photos, the helicopters were destroyed on the airfield grounds where an explosion occurred that morning, producing thick black smoke. The strike was carried out by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Read more: How russia Lost a Mi-8 Helicopter Near Oryol Due to Engine Failure — Fifth Incident in Five Months Highlights Critical Engine Shortage
The attack on the airport took place around 06:30 a.m., when russian monitoring channels began reporting drone activity approaching Simferopol. Analysts later compared satellite images taken on August 22 at 09:07 UTC and on August 30 at 09:02 UTC. The updated imagery shows that a fire broke out in the area where Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters had been stationed, according to preliminary assessments.
The exact variant of the destroyed helicopters has not yet been identified. However, the Mi-8 is widely used by russia for a variety of tasks, from troop transport to strike missions, air defense support, and intercepting Ukrainian surface drones.
By contrast, Mi-24 helicopters are now employed less actively, as they have been largely replaced by the Ka-52 and Mi-28. Their remaining missions mostly involve attempts to counter Ukrainian aerial and maritime drones.
As Defense Express previously reported, a $1K Ukrainian FPV drone hit russian Mi-28 and Mi-8 helicopters in mid-air.
Read more: Ukrainian Forces Destroys russian Su-25 Aircraft, Likely Damages Mi-8 Helicopter in Toretsk Sector (Video)
