Ukrainian Mi-8 Helicopters Shoot Down Russian Shahed Kamikaze Drones.

Two videos recently posted on social media appear to confirm reports from Ukraine’s air force in late July, indicating that helicopters are now being used to intercept and destroy Russian long-range Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. These videos, shared on X/Twitter on Thursday and on Telegram on Sunday, show Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters in action, targeting and shooting down Russian drones. However, neither post provides details on the dates, locations, or units involved in these missions. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The helicopters used in these operations, Mi-8s (NATO designation: Hip), are equipped with nose-mounted machine guns, likely PKT 7.62 x 54mm general-purpose machine guns (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The Shahed-136 is a kamikaze drone designed in Iran, also known as a loitering munition, and has been used by Russian forces in various conflicts, including in Ukraine. Russia began acquiring these drones from Iran in 2022, with reports indicating they entered service the same year. While the exact number in service is not publicly confirmed, it is estimated that Russia has acquired several hundred and now produces them domestically. The Shahed-136 is characterized by its relatively low cost, delta-wing design, and its ability to carry an explosive payload. It is designed to fly at low altitudes, making it harder to detect by radar, and can be used to target both military and civilian infrastructure.

The Shahed-136 has an estimated range of around 2,500 kilometers, making it a long-range weapon capable of striking deep within enemy territory. It uses a simple GPS guidance system for navigation and is powered by a small piston engine, allowing it to loiter in the air before diving onto its target in a kamikaze-style attack. Although relatively slow and noisy, making it vulnerable to interception, its numbers and low cost make it a persistent threat. The use of this drone in saturation tactics further complicates air defense efforts, overwhelming systems with multiple incoming threats.

The helicopters used in these operations, Mi-8s (NATO designation: Hip), are equipped with nose-mounted machine guns, likely PKT 7.62 x 54mm general-purpose machine guns. In the first video, the gunner is seen crouched over his weapon as the helicopter closes in on the enemy drone. After several long bursts, the helicopter’s cockpit fills with smoke before the target drone explodes and crashes to the ground.

Military magazine Defense Express highlights that the machine gunner is using a US-supplied HGU-56/P ballistic helmet, confirming that the video shows a Ukrainian operation. It is also noted that Russians are believed to use helicopters to intercept drones as well.

The second video also features a Mi-8 helicopter, but this time the gunner engages the Shahed drone through the helicopter’s side door. (Picture source: X Channel Osint Technical)

The second video also features a Mi-8 helicopter, but this time the gunner engages the Shahed drone through the helicopter’s side door. After a few bursts, again from a PKT 7.62 x 54mm machine gun, the drone begins to smoke before falling out of view. Neither video provides sufficient detail to confirm whether the helicopters are anything other than standard Mi-8s, although both nose- and door-mounted machine guns are standard equipment on several versions of the aircraft.

The Mi-8 is a Soviet-designed twin-engine helicopter, originally produced in the early 1960s. Ukraine inherited a significant number of these helicopters after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continues to operate and upgrade them. The Mi-8MTV2, a more advanced variant, entered service in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This version is used by the Ukrainian military for various roles, including transport, medical evacuation, and combat operations. The exact number in service varies, but Ukraine operates dozens of Mi-8 and Mi-8MTV2 helicopters.

The Mi-8MTV2 is equipped with improved engines, enhanced avionics, and additional armor compared to earlier models. It can carry up to 24 troops or various payloads and is capable of carrying external weapons such as rockets and machine guns for combat missions. The helicopter has a range of around 500 kilometers and a top speed of approximately 230 km/h. Its versatility and robustness make it a key asset for the Ukrainian military, particularly for rapid deployment and support operations in conflict zones.

In the first video, the gunner is seen crouched over his weapon as the helicopter closes in on the enemy drone(Picture source: X Channel @NOSTRAD90772201)