Ukrainian aviation has once again demonstrated skill and determination in the skies. A crew of the Mi-8 helicopter intercepted and destroyed russian-Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone with fire from an onboard machine gun.
The engagement took place during a combat mission involving patrolling and air cover. The pilots detected the drone heading toward Ukrainian positions and quickly initiated a pursuit maneuver. Such an interception requires exceptional crew coordination and precise handling of the helicopter.
Read more: russian MPSV07 Vessel Violating the Law of War Struck by Ukrainian Drones (Video)
Normally, Ukraine counters the Shahed drones with air defense systems, short-range anti-aircraft weapons, or ground-based small arms. However, this case, where the Mi-8 helicopter was used to hunt down and destroy the target mid-air, highlights the adaptability and ingenuity of Ukraine's forces. It not only eliminates a direct threat but also sends a strong psychological message to the enemy.
Destroying drones from the air with helicopter's machine gun is an extremely complex task. Pilots must maintain a safe but effective distance, maneuver to match the drone's flight path, and enable the gunner to deliver accurate bursts. In this instance, the Mi-8 crew executed the mission flawlessly.
As Defense Express previously reported, russia continues to intensify its campaign of terror against Ukraine, increasingly relying on mass drone attacks. Earlier this month, the occupiers launched a record-breaking strike – over 800 drones in a single salvo. In just the first ten days of September, Ukraine has already faced three large-scale assaults, each involving more than 500 drones, including long-range strike UAVs like the Shahed/Geran-2.
Against this backdrop, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has published an analysis based on data from Futures Lab and Ukraine's Air Force Command, which sheds light on how russia's combined missile-and-drone tactics have evolved since 2022.
The research divides strikes into two categories: routine attacks, near-daily raids with relatively small numbers of missiles and drones, and salvo or massed attacks involving large volumes of aerial weapons.
Read more: Shorter Pauses, Larger Strikes: How russia's Drone Tactics Have Evolved
