Ukrainian Hornet Drones Destroy Russian Mi-8 Helicopter After It Lands in Luhansk Oblast

In brief

• Ukrainian drone operators destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Luhansk Oblast.
• The helicopter outran a Hornet drone in flight after its crew changed course.
• Operators waited until it landed and then struck it with Hornet drones.
• The operation targeted Russian logistics.

Interception attempt in the air

Ukrainian drone operators spotted a Russian Mi-8 helicopter during an operation against Russian logistics in Luhansk Oblast (Rosyjski Mi-8 nie zdołał uciec ukraińskim dronom. Dopadły go po lądowaniu – Geekweek Interia) (Wideo: Żołnierze Trzeciego Korpusu zniszczyli rosyjski śmigłowiec Mi-8 w obwodzie ługańskim – UA.NEWS). The 3rd Assault Brigade said the Skyfom platoon, part of the brigade's unmanned systems battalion, launched a Hornet drone to intercept the aircraft in the air. The crew noticed the threat and changed course. The Mi-8 was faster than the drone, so it got away.

Strike after landing

The Ukrainian operators continued the mission. They waited until the helicopter touched down, then attacked it with Hornet drones, according to the brigade's account. A video of the strike was published, and the press service said the helicopter was destroyed.

Unit and location

Interia names the 3rd Assault Brigade as the unit involved, while UA.NEWS attributes the report to the Third Corps. Both reports place the strike in Luhansk Oblast and describe the target as part of Russian supply lines. UA.NEWS published its report on 30 October.