Ukrainian FPV Drone Downs Russian Mi-28 Helicopter in Cross-Border Strike

Ukrainian forces have reportedly taken down a Russian Mi-28 military helicopter using a low-cost, remotely controlled drone, marking another significant instance of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The attack, which took place in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, demonstrates Ukraine’s continued reliance on Drone Technology to level the playing field against Russia’s superior military assets.

FPV Drone Strike in Kursk

According to sources from Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency, as reported by Ukrainian media outlets such as the Kyiv Post, Ukrainian special forces deployed a first-person view (FPV) drone to carry out the strike on the Mi-28 helicopter. The footage, published by these outlets, appears to show the drone colliding with the helicopter’s rear propeller, leading to the aircraft’s destruction.

This attack was part of a broader cross-border raid involving approximately 1,000 Ukrainian troops, 11 tanks, and over 20 armored combat vehicles, according to Russia’s defense ministry. Following the raid, a state of emergency was declared in Kursk, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Cost-Effective Warfare

The cost disparity between the drone and the helicopter is striking. Basic FPV Drones used in these types of operations are estimated to cost between $500 and $1,000, while the Mi-28 helicopter is valued at around $18 million, as per Business Insider. This significant cost difference highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine’s strategy in utilizing affordable drone technology to inflict substantial damage on much more expensive Russian military assets.

This incident is not isolated. In July, Ukrainian forces reportedly downed a Russian Mi-8 military helicopter using similar drone tactics in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. Additionally, Ukrainian FPV drones have been successfully used to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones, further showcasing the versatility and impact of this technology on the battlefield.

Innovation in Drone Warfare

Ukraine’s innovative use of drones has been a critical factor in its defense strategy, particularly in the face of Russia’s larger and more equipped military forces. The Ukrainian military has adapted commercial drones for military use, repurposing them for reconnaissance and direct attacks on Russian armored vehicles and military positions. This approach has not only been cost-effective but also allowed Ukraine to conserve its air defense systems for other critical engagements.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has noted that Ukraine’s ability to scale its use of “relatively cheap and widely-available” drones could play a vital role in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Furthermore, despite Russia’s increased use of drones and advancements in electronic warfare, Ukraine appears to have the edge in technological innovation, a factor that could prove decisive in the conflict.