On December 31, Ukraine's Magura V5 maritime drone, armed with R-73 missiles, destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damaged a third near occupied Crimea.
The elite ‘Group 13’ unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out the mission, according to a report by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) on January 2.
Russian Telegram channels, including Russian Aviation and Fighterbomber, confirmed the losses.
Fighterbomber’s operator, Russian military serviceman Ilya Tumanov, referred to the loss of "crews," suggesting the destruction of more than one helicopter.
HUR reported that preliminary information indicates all crew members aboard the downed helicopters were killed.
A third helicopter, believed to be a Ka-27PS, sustained damage but managed to land. Russian sources suggest that up to 16 personnel may have been aboard the destroyed aircraft.
Historic First for Naval Drone Warfare
The operation marks the first time in history that a Russian Mi-8 helicopter has been destroyed using a maritime drone.
The Magura V5’s successful deployment highlights Ukraine’s evolving military capabilities and its innovative use of naval technology in combat scenarios.
