Ukrainian mi‑8 helicopters innovate in drone warfare

A new recording has surfaced showing how the Mi-8 helicopter and a machine gun are being used to combat Russian drones. The tactic, borrowed from World War II, proves effective against the dangerous unmanned aerial vehicles.

Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 have been a nightmare for Ukrainians almost since the beginning of the war. The drones, produced by Iran, are used by the Russians on a very large scale, attacking not only Ukrainian soldiers and their equipment but also Ukrainian cities and civilians. These are relatively inexpensive constructs, making it unfeasible to eliminate them using advanced anti-aircraft systems. Ukrainians are continuously finding new alternatives.

Among the systems used to combat drones are VAMPIR missile systems, German Gepard systems, and sometimes even Yak-52 training aircraft. The use of the Mi-8 and its onboard machine gun for this purpose was first documented in August of this year. The new recording is just the second example of this kind. Once again, it is evident that the Ukrainians' efforts were successful, and the Shahed-136 was shot down.

"Forbes" describes this strategy as similar to those from World War II when helicopters with machine guns protected bombers from enemy fighters.

The Shahed-136 is about 3.5 metres long and can reach up to 185 km/h. It carries a warhead weighing about 40 kilograms. The smaller Shahed-131 can be equipped with a warhead weighing 10-15 kilograms.

The Mi-8 is a multi-role helicopter of Soviet origin. Its history dates back to the 1960s. During the war in Ukraine, Ukrainians most often used these machines for transporting soldiers or evacuating civilians.

Armed Mi-8s can also participate in combat missions, which is increasingly seen in the context of fighting drones. The Mi-8 can operate at an altitude of up to 4,500 metres and reach speeds of up to 250 km/h.