First Recorded FPV Drone Attack on a Helicopter
In a highly unusual battlefield event, a Ukrainian FPV drone struck a Russian Mi-8 helicopter during flight. The impact ignited a fire on board, forcing the pilots to carry out an emergency crash landing. Despite the blaze, the crew successfully brought the aircraft down, where infantry units on the ground quickly evacuated them.
This marks the first documented case of an FPV drone successfully bringing down a helicopter in flight. Analysts noted the significance, emphasizing that the drone managed to penetrate the rotor wash and withstand the intense aerodynamic forces — a feat once thought improbable.
Helicopter Likely on a Rocket-Firing Mission
The Mi-8 involved in the incident was equipped with rocket pods mounted on its wing stubs, suggesting it was most likely engaged in a rocket-firing mission at the time of the attack. The loss highlights the vulnerability of combat helicopters to small, low-cost FPV drones increasingly being used on the battlefield.
Conflicting Claims Over Second Incident
Additional footage emerged showing another Mi-8 helicopter being hit by a Ukrainian FPV drone. While Ukrainian sources claimed the helicopter was destroyed, the pilot reportedly managed to land the damaged aircraft safely.
Military reports indicate that the drone struck the side of the helicopter near its fuel tank, igniting a fire that forced the crew into a crash landing. The strike, however, spared the cockpit, preventing immediate loss of control. The crew was later evacuated before a second drone was observed approaching the crash site.
Implications for Drone Warfare
These incidents underscore the evolving role of FPV drones in modern warfare. What began as a low-cost tool for ground attacks is now demonstrating the ability to threaten advanced aerial platforms.
Military experts suggest that this development could alter the tactics of rotary-wing operations, as helicopters — once dominant in low-altitude roles — now face a growing threat from small, disposable drones capable of precision strikes.
