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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Source: Militarnyi | Images: X @DenShtilierman
