Ukrainian Drone Forces Hit Russian Helicopters Deep Behind Front Line

Ukrainian drone units have struck Russian helicopters at a rear airstrip in the Voronezh region, far from the front line, according to the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A Russian Mil Mi-28 helicopter performs a demonstration flight at the 2021 Dubai Airshow in the Gulf emirate on Nov. 15, 2021. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian drone forces struck two Russian helicopters at a field airstrip deep behind the front line in Russia, Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi said on Wednesday, April 29. According to Brovdi , also known by his callsign “Madyar,” the operation targeted Mi-28 and Mi-17 helicopters in Russia’s Voronezh region, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the line of contact. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The helicopters were located at a temporary landing site used for refueling and maintenance between flights. The strike was carried out by drone crews from Ukraine’s 429th “Achilles” Separate Regiment and the 43rd unit, in coordination with a special operations unit, Brovdi said. He added that the drones hit the rear central section of the helicopters’ engine compartments, avoiding the main rotor blades. At least one maintenance personnel was reportedly killed in the strike, according to the commander. The Mi-28 (NATO reporting name: Havoc) is an attack helicopter developed in the 1980s but entered service officially in the 2000s. Typical armament includes a 30 mm cannon mounted in a chin turret, along with an assortment of missiles or rockets, used primarily against ground targets. The Mi-17 (NATO reporting name: Hip), introduced in the 1970s, served as both a transport helicopter and a gunship, depending on the configuration. An Mi-28 is estimated to cost around $15 million per unit, while one civilian cargo variant of the Mi-17, made in 2022, is listed for around $16 million on a commercial marketplace . Other Topics of Interest Two Waves of Strikes Hit Odesa, High-Rises Burning, Over Dozen Injured Russia launched two waves of strikes on Odesa, injuring 16 and damaging homes, a kindergarten, and infrastructure. Air defenses downed 172 drones across Ukraine. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.