Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Naval Drone Downs Russian Helicopter, Injures Pilot
Ukraine’s naval drone struck two Russian helicopters in the Black Sea, successfully shooting down one and damaging the other. Following the attack, the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (GUR) intercepted radio communication from a Russian helicopter pilot, who stated, “I have been shot, I am going down.”
The Ukrainian GUR released video footage of the attack and the intercepted pilot’s communication on the social media platform X. The first video shows Ukraine’s Magura V5 naval drone targeting a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. The footage captures intense gunfire around the drone, creating splashes in the sea. Moments later, a missile strikes the helicopter, causing it to crash into the sea.
The second video features radio communication from the injured pilot. The pilot is heard saying, “482, I have been shot, I am going down.” He further describes an explosion near the helicopter, stating, “The attack came from the water. There was another flash; I couldn’t see where it went, but it hit me directly and exploded nearby. I felt it on the helicopter.”
Ukraine’s intelligence agency confirmed that the Magura V5 marine drone, armed with missiles, hit the Russian Mi-8 helicopter near Crimea’s western coast. This marks the first time a Ukrainian naval drone has successfully targeted an airborne object.
Ukraine has been utilizing marine drones to attack Russian naval assets, including warships and critical infrastructure. Recent drone and missile attacks have reportedly inflicted substantial damage on Russia’s naval base in Sevastopol.
