The Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck a russian Mi-28N attack helicopter in flight using an FPV drone. The operation was carried out by the 427th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade RAROG inside russia's Belgorod region, near the village of Vyazovoye.
USF Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi later released footage recorded by the FPV drone used in the attack. The helicopter's ultimate fate remains unknown, although additional information may emerge later.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Hit russian Mi-17 and Mi-28 Helicopters in Voronezh Region (Video)
The Mi-28N was designed primarily to engage ground targets with guided and unguided weapons. Since 2023, however, russian forces have increasingly employed the helicopter as an airborne air-defense platform to intercept Ukrainian drones.
As the footage shows, the FPV drone pursued the helicopter while climbing to gain altitude before attacking from above. After closing the distance, it struck the helicopter roughly at the midpoint of the tail boom.
The Mi-28N uses a conventional single-main-rotor design with a tail rotor, meaning critical damage to the tail boom can cause the helicopter to become uncontrollable. For that reason, targeting this section appears to be a logical aiming point when engaging helicopters of this type, although even a successful hit does not necessarily guarantee a kill.
A similar tactic was employed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) in 2024, when operators struck the tail of another russian Mi-28N. In that case, the drone hit the very end of the tail boom. This time, however, the apparent aiming point was closer to the middle of the boom, suggesting that Ukrainian operators have refined their tactics based on previous combat experience. The same approach would likely also be effective against the Mi-8, but not against the Ka-52, whose coaxial rotor configuration eliminates the vulnerable tail rotor.
The latest strike is further evidence that helicopter operations near the front line are becoming increasingly hazardous. Until recently, russian crews primarily had to contend with ground-based air defenses and fighter aircraft. FPV drones have now become another serious threat.
As Ukrainian operators gain more combat experience, they continue developing increasingly refined tactics that improve the probability of successfully engaging helicopters. At the same time, such operations remain highly complex, requiring careful planning, precise coordination, and the ability to wait for the right opportunity.
Another noteworthy detail is the drone reportedly used in the operation. According to available information, the Mi-28N was engaged by a Shrike FPV drone manufactured by SkyFall. The Shrike reportedly costs less than $400, compared with an estimated $16–18 million for a Mi-28N attack helicopter.
This was the Shrike's second documented helicopter engagement. The first took place on September 29, 2025, when operators from the Predators of Heights Battalion of the 59th Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces used the same type of FPV drone to shoot down a russian Mi-8 helicopter.
Read more: $1K Ukrainian FPV Drone Hits russian Mi-28 and Mi-8 Helicopters Mid-Flight
