Ukrainian Magura V5 drones destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters in Black Sea

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported the information.

On Thursday, January 2, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) clarified that during an operation in the Black Sea near temporarily occupied Crimea on December 31, 2024, Group 13 pf the Special Forces used missile-equipped Magura V5 maritime drones to destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters.

According to preliminary information, the crews of the targeted helicopters were also eliminated.

"Another Russian helicopter sustained damage but managed to land in a damaged state," the HUR added.

Earlier, the HUR had reported the destruction of one Russian Mi-8 helicopter during the operation.

"On December 31, 2024, fighters from the Group 13 special unit of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR) made history by striking an aerial target using a Magura V5 maritime strike drone equipped with missile weaponry," the post reads.

It is reported that during the battle in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut in temporarily occupied Crimea, a Russian Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed by R-73 SeeDragon missiles.

According to the HUR, another similar Russian helicopter was damaged but managed to reach its base airfield.

Later, the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, stated during the United News telethon that Magura V5 drones had previously attacked Russian air forces several times, but the damaged equipment managed to reach the shoreline. This time, however, the downed helicopter fell into the water.

"The destruction of an aerial target over the Black Sea has been confirmed. The second helicopter, by the way, was also hit. It managed to reach the airfield and make an emergency landing," he added.

• Russian authorities reported a drone attack in the Smolensk region on the night of December 31, which caused a fire at an oil depot. They also claimed to have downed 68 UAVs.