Innovative Mi‑8 tactics turn the tide against Russian drones in Ukraine

The Ukrainians have opted to use Mi-8 helicopters in an innovative way to combat Russian drones. This decision was partly driven by the need to conserve expensive missiles from Western air defence systems.

The Mi-8 is a multi-role helicopter with a history dating back to the 1960s. Despite its age, it remains a common sight in the war in Ukraine, utilised by both sides of the conflict. These helicopters are most often used to transport soldiers or evacuate civilians but also assist in combat missions. Surprisingly, they can even take a leading role in these missions.

A video has appeared on social media showing the crew of a Ukrainian Mi-8 successfully engaging a Russian drone using a machine gun mounted on the helicopter.

As noted in Forbes, this strategy may remind one of the tactics used by some armies during World War II. It involves a similar use of helicopters, with a machine gun mounted on the nose, to protect bombers from enemy fighters.

The Ukrainians have previously emphasised their search for alternatives to the most advanced air defence systems. They are reluctant to use costly missiles from systems like the Patriot to shoot down drones, as it is not cost-effective and sometimes even impractical due to the high number of Russian drones, particularly during mass attacks.

Some experts suggest that VAMPIR missile systems are the most effective weapon against Russian Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones. For this purpose, 70 mm calibre Hydra unguided rockets have been modified and equipped with a guidance system.

German-supplied Gepard systems have also proven very effective in combating Iranian drones in Ukraine. These systems are equipped with a pair of 35 mm automatic cannons, each firing 550 rounds per minute. Russian drones have also been shot down by Yak-52 training planes, although these occurrences are as rare as the now-documented case of the Mi-8 being used for this purpose.