Ukrainian strike devastates Russian helicopters near border
As a result of a precise strike on the launch point in the Belgorod region, Ukrainians managed to eliminate four Russian helicopters. Defense Express analysts noted that the attack was carried out using HIMARS artillery, which, according to Kremlin propaganda, had recently been "disabled."
A short video showing the moment of the attack was published by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but missile forces and the military intelligence HUR also played a role, responsible for reconnaissance using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The identified Russian targets were four helicopters: two Ka-52s and two Mi-8s.
Attack on Russian helicopters
The shelling was conducted using American HIMARS. Defense Express analysts specified that the Ukrainians used GMLRS M30A1 rockets (or the advanced M30A2). These have a range of about 50 miles and non-standard warheads containing tungsten elements. They detonate directly above the target, thus demonstrating very high effectiveness.
"All helicopters were destroyed by rocket strikes in the enemy's rear, where the opponent created a launch point for aviation - a masked position for the quick relocation of aircraft or surprise attacks on Ukrainian security and defense forces," stated the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a communiqué on Telegram.
Russians believed in disabled HIMARS
The OSINT community (open-source intelligence) has already established that Russian helicopters were located east of the city of Ivnoye, near the administrative border of the Kursk region. They were approximately 34 miles from the Ukrainian border.
Defense Express analysts point out that it is puzzling why the Russians decided to deploy valuable helicopters in the danger zone. They suggest that the Russians might have believed their own propaganda about the "disabling of HIMARS" after recent moves by Donald Trump or underestimated Ukrainian intelligence and combat capabilities, assuming that a short stay (e.g., for refueling and rearming) near the border would not have consequences.
While the Mi-8 is an older helicopter, the Ka-52 is a model that first flew in 1997. The value of each such Russian attack helicopter, capable of reaching flight speeds of up to 186 mph and carrying various types of underwing armaments, is estimated at about 15-16 million dollars.
