Ukrainian forces use drone to down Russian helicopter in Belgorod region
Photo: SBS shot down yet another Russian helicopter (Russian media)
On the morning of July 15, soldiers of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) struck a Russian Mi-28 Night Hunter attack helicopter, according to SBS commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi.
"The lousy Mi-28 'Night Hunter' squealed into the ground," Brovdi joked while commenting on his troops' latest success.
He also specified that the operation was carried out by soldiers of the 427th Separate Brigade Rarog of the Unmanned Systems Forces. They used only a drone to hit the target.
The enemy helicopter was struck over Russia's Belgorod region, near the village of Vyazovoe.
According to Madyar, the incident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. (Kyiv time).
USF Operators Struck a Mi-28 Helicopter in Belgorod Oblast
— Unmanned Systems Forces (@usf_army) July 15, 2026
The strike was carried out by pilots of the @RAROG427 on July 15 on the territory of Belgorod Oblast, russia.
The Mi-28, also known as the “Night Hunter,” is an attack helicopter designed to strike armored vehicles,… pic.twitter.com/1B0N8RJQ2p
The Unmanned Systems Forces said the estimated cost of one such helicopter is about $18 million.
They also noted that hitting a helicopter with an FPV drone is considered one of the most difficult combat missions.
An aerial target moves at high speed and constantly changes its course and altitude, making interception more difficult.
Carrying out such an operation over enemy territory is even more challenging, as operators must work under active countermeasures and have limited time to detect, track, and strike the target.
"As the video shows, the operators of the 427th Separate Brigade Rarog successfully accomplished this mission," the Unmanned Systems Forces emphasized.
About the Russian Mi-28 Night Hunter
The Mi-28 is a Russian attack helicopter designed to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, personnel, low-flying aerial targets, and provide close air support for ground forces.
Russia developed it as a competitor to the Ka-52.
Key specifications:
- Crew: 2 (pilot and weapons operator);
- Maximum speed: about 300 km/h;
- Range: approximately 450 km without external fuel tanks;
- Service ceiling: about 5.6 km.
The helicopter is equipped with:
- 30 mm automatic cannon;
- Anti-tank guided missiles;
- Unguided rockets;
- Aerial bombs;
- Air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Madyar had confirmed strikes on another 15 Russian vessels.
We also wrote that the Unmanned Systems Forces had launched a hunt for Russian vessels in the Black Sea.
It also became known why Ukraine is no longer attacking the Crimean Bridge.
