Russian Mi-8 Helicopter Shot Down with Missile from Ukrainian Sea Drone

Ukrainian forces have downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter with a Magura V5 naval strike drone in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut, Crimea, on December 31.

The operation, led by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s (DIU) special unit, "Group 13," marks the first recorded destruction of an aerial target by a naval drone.

The Magura V5 naval drone used in the attack was armed with R-73 SeeDragon short-range air-to-air weapons. Reports indicate that another Russian helicopter sustained damage during the same engagement but managed to return to its base airfield.

The R-73 missile, originally designed for aerial platforms, has been adapted for deployment from the Magura V5 naval drone. This adaptation allows the missile to lock onto targets autonomously using its homing head, despite the absence of a stabilization system or rotatable launcher. The missile’s solid propellant engine and gas-dynamic control system enable high maneuverability, making it effective in maritime engagements.

Experts suggest that an adapted P-72 launcher is likely used to integrate the missile onto the drone, compensating for the drone's oscillations with its increased weight. This innovation underscores Ukraine's strategic focus on enhancing its drone capabilities for maritime and aerial operations.

The DIU highlighted that Magura V5 drones equipped with missile launchers have already been deployed in various combat scenarios in the Black Sea, increasing risks for Russian aviation. The successful operation near Cape Tarkhankut reflects the growing role of unmanned technologies in modern warfare, particularly in contested maritime zones.

In addition to missile strikes, naval drones of the Security Service of Ukraine have reportedly engaged Russian assets using machine guns, further diversifying their operational use. Earlier in December, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian aircraft and boats in the Kerch Bay.