In a display of evolving military tactics, Ukrainian forces are now using helicopters to actively track and shoot down Russian drones.
Firing From a Helicopter
A recent video shared online captures a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter closely following a Russian Shahed 136 drone, firing bursts of machine gun fire to bring it down.
Within moments, the drone, flying at approximately 112 mph (180 km/h), is hit, leaving a thick trail of black smoke before crashing to the ground. This approach shows the adaptability of Ukrainian air defense teams as they face an increased threat from Russian drones.
The Mi-24, known as the "Hind," is a heavily armed attack helicopter capable of performing a range of tasks, from troop transport to direct combat.
It can reach speeds up to 208 mph (335 km/h) and is equipped with a Yak-B 12.7mm Gatling gun, along with rockets and anti-tank missiles. In this mission, the Mi-24’s machine guns proved to be highly effective in quickly neutralizing the drone
Tactical Innovation
The Russian Shahed 136, also known as Geran-2 in Russian service, is a loitering munition or "kamikaze drone."
It is designed to carry a 66 to 88-pound warhead and can fly distances up to 1,500 miles (2,400 km). However, its relatively slow speed makes it vulnerable to interception, especially when targeted by agile aircraft like helicopters
This video showcases the impressive coordination between Ukrainian air defense units, which are often required to respond quickly.Operating both day and night, teams like these rely on tools such as thermal cameras to detect drones, even in difficult weather conditions.
The destruction of drones at close range offers a glimpse into the tactical innovation that Ukraine has employed to protect its airspace. Previously, countering drones often required surface-to-air missiles, but now helicopters like the Mi-24 are proving to be a versatile tool in combating aerial threats
