Ukrainian sea drone makes history by downing Russian helicopter
During the night, Ukrainian drones attacked targets in Russian-occupied Crimea. Sea drones were also involved in the operation. One of them, the Magura V5, battled two Russian helicopters in a naval battle. The boat, equipped with missiles, shot down one of the helicopters and severely damaged the other.
"This is a historic attack; for the first time in the world, a sea drone destroyed an aerial target," informed Ukrainian military intelligence.
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) announced that for the first time in the world, it shot down a helicopter using a sea drone. The incident occurred near the Tarchankut Peninsula, in the northwestern part of occupied Crimea.
"On December 31, 2024, the HUR special unit 'Group 13' for the first time in history hit an aerial target using a Magura V5 sea attack drone, equipped with missile weapons," HUR reported on its Telegram channel.
The Magura V5 sea drone, used in this operation, was equipped with an R-73 "SeeDragon" missile. A Russian Mi-8 multi-purpose helicopter was shot down. "Another enemy helicopter was hit, but it managed to reach its base," added HUR.
Recording of the attack
A video recording from a camera placed on the Ukrainian drone was attached to the message. The footage shows the drone being attacked from the air, likely by machine weapons. It also captures the moment when the Russian helicopter is hit and falls into the Black Sea.
In the background of the recording, the carol "Szczedryk," known worldwide as "Carol of the Bells," composed by Ukrainian musician Mykola Leontovych, can be heard. At the end of the video, the text: "Happy New 2025 Year" appears.
