Ukrainian Mi‑8 helicopters turn guns on Russian drones

Ukrainians have decided to use Mi-8 helicopters to combat Russian drones in a very unusual way. This approach is partly driven by the need to conserve expensive missiles from Western air defense systems.

The Mi-8 is a multi-purpose helicopter whose history dates back to the 1960s. Despite its age, it is still widely used in the war in Ukraine, with both sides employing this machine. Most often, Mi-8s transport soldiers or evacuate civilians, but they occasionally take part in combat missions. Surprisingly, they sometimes even play a leading role in these operations.

A recording has surfaced on social media showing the crew of a Ukrainian Mi-8 effectively fighting a Russian drone using a machine gun mounted on the helicopter.

As noted by "Forbes," this strategy is reminiscent of tactics used by some armies during World War II. It refers to using helicopters, with machine guns mounted on the nose, to protect bombers from enemy fighters.

Ukrainians have emphasized exploring alternatives to the most advanced air defense systems. They do not want to shoot down drones with missiles from systems like Patriot because it is not cost-effective and sometimes even impossible, especially during massive drone attacks.

Experts point out that VAMPIR missile systems are the most effective weapon against Russian Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones. Unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra rockets have been modified and equipped with a guidance system for these systems.

German-supplied Gepard systems are also performing well in combating Iranian drones in Ukraine. These systems are equipped with a pair of 1.4-inch (35 mm) automatic cannons, each with a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. There have even been instances of Russian drones being shot down by a Yak-52 training aircraft, but such cases are as rare as the use of the Mi-8 in this role.