Ukraine's helicopters revolutionize drone defence strategy
Ukrainians are employing the Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters they have received in an innovative way, specifically as drone hunters. Reports indicate that one unit has accounted for at least 19 drone shootdowns. We explain how the Ukrainians are achieving this.
According to journalist Łukasz Michalik from Wirtualna Polska, Ukrainians are using Mi-24 helicopters received from Poland and Mi-35 helicopters from the Czech Republic for drone hunting. This use arises from the lack of suitable anti-tank armament for these aircraft and the necessity to counter vast numbers of Shahed drones arriving from multiple directions.
Helicopters travelling at speeds exceeding 300 km/h are a far more efficient intervention squad than, for example, soldiers in pickups, capable of monitoring a vast area. This capability, combined with F-16 aircraft and Mirage 2000 jets, significantly bolsters Ukrainian defence against drone and cruise missile attacks.
Mi-24/35 helicopters - "devil's chariots" in an unusual role
Since 1973, Mi-24 helicopters have been mass-produced and have undergone numerous modifications, such as the Mi-24V variant, known as the Mi-35 for export.
During its initial deployment in Afghanistan, the Mi-24 earned nicknames such as "flying tank" and "devil's chariot" from the mujahideen due to its outstanding protection and powerful armament. This aircraft is notable for its exceptionally heavy mass for an attack helicopter, weighing approximately 13 tonnes. In comparison, the AH-1Z Viper has a maximum weight of about 9 tonnes.
It's worth noting that the Mi-24 helicopter's crew is seated in a "titanium bathtub," which provides effective protection against small arms fire or shrapnel. This is particularly useful when combating Shahed drones, as shrapnel from a drone's explosion can pose a threat even hundreds of metres away.
WKM YaKB-12.7 - the main anti-drone weapon of the Mi-24/35
Depending on the version, the helicopter is equipped with a four-barrel, large-calibre machine gun YaKB-12.7 with a calibre of 12.7×108 mm and a rate of fire of 4-5 thousand rounds per minute or a twin-barrel GSh-30-2 cannon with a 30 mm calibre, in addition to various weapons mounted on four pylons.
In Ukraine, these helicopters were often seen with S-8 unguided rocket pods, bombs, or anti-tank missiles. Still, now their primary weaponry consists of the machine gun or cannon with an effective range of several hundred metres.
