Ukraine

Ukraine reveals financial cost of war as $10m Russian heli is taken out by $500 drone

Expensive Russian heli downed by cheap Ukrainian drone

President Zelensky has thanked a Ukrainian drone unit for engaging and destroying a Russian helicopter.

The 59th Separate Assault Unmanned Systems Brigade, variously known as the Predators of the Heights or the Steppe Predators, posted a video of the incident.

"Today we have replenished our collection of 'fat' targets," it said, presumably referring to the tactical and financial value of the Mi-8, which has the Nato reporting name of Hip.

"The crew of the Baltika destroyed a Russian Mi-8 attack helicopter worth over $10m. And they did it with a small FPV drone [called] Shrike, worth only $500.

"This result was possible thanks to the coordinated interaction of intelligence, headquarters and pilots – and most importantly, thanks to the people who support us. Every contribution, every help, every kind word makes such victories a reality."

Video taken by the first-person view attack drone – which appears to be a quadcopter – shows it homing in on the helicopter, approaching it from the front.

The Russian crew are seemingly unaware and do not try to make any evasive manoeuvres or deploy countermeasures before the video goes blank, the drone having apparently struck the starboard side of the aircraft.

As the drone approaches, the Mi-8 stays on course, the crew seemingly oblivious to the danger (Picture: 59th Separate Assault Unmanned Systems Brigade)

Footage taken further away by another Ukrainian drone then seemingly shows the last moments of the Mi-8.

The blast can be seen, after which the helicopter rapidly descends to earth, flames coming from the site of the impact.

The drone then gets closer to show the wreckage of the Hip, with the crew compartment fully ablaze.

The Mi-8 became operational in 1967 and is still in production - this example serving in the Czech air force — The Mi-8 became operational in 1967 and is still in production – this example serving in the Czech air force (Picture: Alamy)

According to US publication Air Force & Space Digest, the journal of the Air Force Association, the Mi-8 has been in continuous production for more than half a century, with more than 100 countries having operated the aircraft, as well as Russia.

While its main role is a transport helicopter, the Hip can also serve in the reconnaissance and airborne command post roles.

Furthermore, it can be equipped with munitions hardpoints enabling it to operate as an armed gunship; however, the aircraft destroyed in this incident was not fitted out this way.

Mr Zelensky said of the downing of the aircraft: "I... want to single out our guys today who shot down a Russian military helicopter with an FPV drone.

"This achievement inspired many Ukrainians. The crew of the FPV Unmanned Systems Battalion of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade – thank you, guys!"