Ukraine made history on December 31, 2024, when one of its naval drones downed a Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter in the Black Sea.
The jubilant update was provided by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on its site. The agency relayed how soldiers of the special unit “group 13” of the country’s Ministry of Defense hit the Russian Mil Mi-8 using a Magura V5 naval strike drone equipped with missile weapons.
#працюєГУР
— Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) December 31, 2024
💥 Історичний удар ― воїни ГУР вперше у світі знищили повітряну ціль за допомогою морського дрона Magura V5
🔗 https://t.co/Td2vPEy6St pic.twitter.com/UC3SNnp6ah
The conflict took place in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut.
“A Russian Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed by the use of R-73 “SeeDragon” missiles,” Ukraine said.
In the black and white footage, which was uploaded to X, the Mi-8 helicopter can be seen being hit by several strikes.
The video, uploaded by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, had a choir rendition of “Ring Christmas Bells” as the battle scene played out.
The intelligence agency later uploaded a voice recording of an intercepted radio communication from the Mi-8 helicopter that was shot down.
#ГУРперехоплення
— Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) December 31, 2024
❗️“БЫЛ ПУСК С ВОДЫ ― ПО МНЕ ПОПАЛИ!”
📻У здобутому розвідниками радіоперехопленні пілот підбитого ракетою з морського дрона Magura V5 російського гелікоптера Мі-8 панічно пояснює характер та наслідки вогневого ураження борту.
🔗 https://t.co/H2GwvgVuWV pic.twitter.com/VqcH0tXhi2
Based on Google translation, the voice appeared to say, “I’m hit, I’m going down.”
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said another Russian helicopter was also hit by the drone, and returned to its base airfield with damages.
It was not specified what helicopter type was hit.