First video of Ukrainian helicopter pilots hunting Shahed drones emerges online

The fact that Ukrainian helicopters are being used to repel Russian long-range attacks by Shahed-136 'kamikaze' drones became known in late July, thanks to an official report by the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. But it is only now that a video has been posted and spread online, Defense Express reports. 

The details such as the time, location, and even the specific military branch or unit the helicopter belongs to - remain undisclosed. What can be confirmed is that the helicopter involved is an Mi-8 equipped with a nose-mounted machine gun turret, and that the ‘hunt’ was indeed successful.

In the video, the helicopter is seen catching up to its target. The gunner then opens fire, and after several sustained bursts, successfully destroys the drone, which explodes in the distance. The fact that these are Ukrainian pilots is suggested by the presence of the American HGU-56/P helmet, as Russian helicopters are also known to intercept UAVs regularly.

It is important to note that the nose-mounted machine gun turret is a standard feature on some Mi-8s. In particular, the upgraded Ukrainian Mi-8MTV2s were already equipped with this turret, along with additional armor, new radio navigation equipment, a searchlight, and anti-aircraft missile defense systems, even before Russia's full-scale invasion.

Additionally, the Mi-8 platform allows for the installation of even more powerful machine guns. For example, in 2021, Russia showcased a variant of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN equipped with machine guns: 12.7 mm Cord in the side doors and on the weapon trusses, and UPK-23-250 on the pylons for a twin-barrel 23 mm automatic gun.

However, as demonstrated in the video, a single 7.62-mm machine gun is sufficient to bring down a Shahed-136 drone. While the turret could potentially be fitted with a 12.7 mm A-12.7 machine gun, this might be unnecessary, as concerns about cabin gas must also be considered.