Ukrainian FPV Drone Hits Russian Helicopter in First-of-Its-Kind Strike

A Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drone struck a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter over Russia's Kursk Oblast on August 6, marking the first recorded instance of an FPV drone downing a helicopter mid-air.

A source within Ukraine's intelligence services confirmed this to The Kyiv Independent.

The drone, operated by the Special Operations Center "A" of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), targeted the helicopter's tail rotor, achieving what the source described as a "unique special operation in military history." Footage of the incident circulated on social media, with the full video published by Ukrainian activist Serhii Sternenko on August 7.

Related news: Ukraine Launches Rare Ground Assault into Russia's Kursk Region

Click here to read our feature titled “Are Helicopters Giving Way to Drones as Combat Platforms?” to know more.

Although the source confirmed the helicopter was shot down, the video does not clearly show the aftermath of the attack. Russian military blogger Alexei Zemtsov reported that the helicopter was forced to land and the crew survived, but this has not been officially confirmed.

This operation showcases the SBU's "high level of professionalism, creativity, and innovation in destroying the enemy," according to the source, who hinted at further surprises for Russia. However, the claims have not been officially acknowledged by the SBU or Ukrainian military.

While this appears to be the first successful hit by an FPV drone on a helicopter, it's not the first attempt. In September 2023, a Ukrainian FPV racing drone, potentially loaded with explosives, attempted to intercept a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter and nearly succeeded, despite the drone's modest speed compared to the helicopter. In May, a video surfaced showing a Ukrainian FPV attempting to hit a Russian helicopter, but the outcome of that attack is unknown.